WTTC Members
Our Members
The Council’s Members are the Chairmen or Chief Executives of leading global Travel & Tourism companies, from all geographies and industries, including hotels, airlines, airports, tour operators, cruise, car rental, travel agents, rail, as well as the emergent sharing economy.
Membership
WTTC Members
WTTC is the only global body representing the Travel & Tourism private sector and its numerous industries. The Council’s Members are the Chairmen or Chief Executives of leading global Travel & Tourism companies, from all geographies and industries, including hotels, airlines, airports, tour operators, cruise, car rental, travel agents, rail, as well as the emergent sharing economy, enabling them to speak with one voice to governments and international bodies.
Over 200 companies are now represented on the Council, accounting for two-thirds of a trillion US dollars in turnover, equivalent to 30% of the entire sector. Our destination members also host our annual
Global Summit
which is at a different destination each year. If you are a destination then learn more about
hosting the global summit
as well as the benefits.
Are you interested in membership? Whether you are an SME or an International company,
enquire today
, or learn more about
WTTC membership and the benefits
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Chair
Manfredi Lefebvre
Chairman
Heritage Group/ Abercrombie and Kent Travel Group
Manfredi Lefebvre
Chairman
Heritage Group/ Abercrombie and Kent Travel Group
Website
Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio is the Executive Chairman of Heritage Group, a holding company active in tourism, biotechnology, medical technologies, energy transition, real estate, IT, and premium beverages. Born in Rome in 1953, he is the son of distinguished jurist Antonio Lefebvre d’Ovidio.
As Chairman of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group and Quintessential Brands Group, and Vice-Chairman of Arqit Quantum, Manfredi is a pioneer in the luxury travel sector, having transformed Silversea Cruises into a global leader by expanding operations to over 900 destinations before its sale to Royal Caribbean Group, where he served as Executive Chairman from 2001 to 2020.
In the public arena, he is the Honorary Consul of Ecuador in Monaco and a Permanent Observer at UNESCO, as well as Ambassador-at-Large for Culture and Philanthropy for the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. He currently holds the position of Vice-President for Africa and is a Member of the Executive Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council, where he is soon to become Chairman.
With over four decades of experience in the tourism and cruise industries, Manfredi has shaped the luxury cruise sector while diversifying into biotechnology and energy transition. His extensive roles include Newcleo, and he serves as a Global Senior Advisor at Rothschild & Co. He has received prestigious decorations, including the Orders of Saint Charles and Grimaldi.
Vice Chair
Andrea Grisdale
CEO - Sole Founder
IC Bellagio
Andrea Grisdale
CEO - Sole Founder
IC Bellagio
Website
Andrea Grisdale is a trailblazer in destination management, a thought leader in the travel industry and a successful female founder and CEO. She and her team at IC Bellagio have spent more than two decades helping travelers experience Italy at its most authentic – an occupation Andrea rightly calls “the best job in the world!” – but she doesn’t stop there. An equally important mission for her has been to empower people through opportunity, whether it is the dedicated staff in her own enterprise, destination communities across Italy or fellow industry professionals. Andrea is honored to share her expertise as CEO of the award-winning destination management company IC Bellagio and as a member of the World Travel and Tourism Council with speaking engagements at industry events, for universities across Italy and in the media.
A native of England’s Lake District, Lake Como has become home for Andrea and the DMC she founded at the turn of the millennium, IC Bellagio. The company’s success in creating bespoke Italian itineraries for high-end travelers has brought accolades and awards from such prestigious organizations as Virtuoso, Signature, Condé Nast, Luxury Travel Adviser, Travel + Leisure and Wendy Perrin. But for Andrea, the real measure of success was turning IC Bellagio into the best company to travel with and the best company to work with. The community she has built with loyal travel advisors, in-house professionals and preferred partners across Italy champions the life-changing power of travel, not only for the travelers themselves but also for destination communities.
Andrea’s advocacy work has always played a vital role in her private and professional life. Through her engagement with Italian universities and mentoring with up-and-coming travel professionals and DMCs, she is inspiring the industry’s next generation. Her support for local causes ranges from the revitalization of the neighbouring town of Lezzeno to active support for a local organization that breeds and trains seeing-eye dogs. And as Italy’s first regional member of the World Travel & Tourism Council in 2016, Andrea is advancing the global debate on such vital issues as overcrowding, regenerative travel as well as the inclusive, sustainable growth of the industry.
Audrey Hendley
President, American Express Travel
American Express
Audrey Hendley
President, American Express Travel
American Express
Website
Audrey Hendley is the President of American Express Travel, one of the largest multi-channel consumer travel agencies in the world. As President, Audrey is an industry leader, responsible for delivering premium travel and lifestyle services to Card Members through a global network of global travel advisors, overseeing the digital travel booking experience, travel benefits and programs, a global network of 1,400 lounges, supplier partnerships, and marketing and engagement strategies for the premium Card Member base. Audrey is also committed to driving initiatives that promote DE&I, support local cultures and economies, and advance climate solutions.
Over the past three decades at American Express, Audrey has distinguished herself as an influential, innovative leader who has driven record results for various businesses across the company. She has accomplished this by delivering products and services driving innovating for long-term growth, developing and retaining outstanding diverse talent, and leading efforts that drive ESG initiatives.
Audrey has earned many of the top awards from American Express and has been inducted into the company’s Hall of Fame, in addition to being awarded “Top 50 Women Leaders of New York for 2022” award. As an advocate for women in business, Audrey proudly serves as Chair for the New York Women’s Interest Network (WIN). She is also Chair of the Board for World Education Services (WES), a social enterprise that helps international students and professionals to achieve their educational and professional goals in the United States and Canada.
Audrey is an Honors graduate of Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland where she received her master’s in Marketing Management and has also completed the Governing for Nonprofit Excellence program at Harvard Business School.
Desirée Bollier
Chair and Global Chief Merchant
The Bicester Collection
Desirée Bollier
Chair and Global Chief Merchant
The Bicester Collection
Website
Desirée Bollier serves as Chair and Global Chief Merchant of Value Retail, the creator and operator of The Bicester Collection, widely recognised as the best performing shopping destination portfolio in the world.
Desirée’s career started in the United States, with various retail management roles culminating as Senior Vice President of Retail at Polo Ralph Lauren for Europe and the Gulf before joining Value Retail in 2001.
Her leadership has seen Value Retail’s unique business model generate consistent double-digit growth in sales every year, beginning with the opening of its first project in 1995, Bicester Village, until 2019. In 2021 total gross sales were almost on par with 2019.
Desirée is a driving force behind placing premium shopping tourism firmly on the global stage.In 2012 she became the first retailer to become a Member of the World Travel & Tourism Council, which led to an invitation to join the Executive Committee. In 2019 Desirée was appointed regional Vice-Chair for the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Desirée is regularly featured in the media and has spoken at many international conferences.
A passionate supporter of young talent and the arts, Desirée is a Patron of the British Fashion Council, a member of the Advisory Committee for the US-based communications agency Violetta Group and sits on the Corporate Advisory Board of the Royal Academy of Arts.
Desirée graduated from the University Paris X-Faculty de Droit in 1980 with a degree in Law. An alumna of Harvard Business School, in 2019, she graduated with a certificate from the Owner/President Management Program (OPM).
Gaurav Bhatnagar
Co-Founder
TBO.COM
Gaurav Bhatnagar
Co-Founder
TBO.COM
Website
Gaurav Bhatnagar is the Joint Managing Director of our Company. He holds a bachelor’s degree of technology in computer science and engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi and worked at Microsoft Corporation. He is member of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and is one of the co-founders of TBO. He is also a co-founder of Tekriti Software Private Limited. He was appointed to our Board of Directors with effect from November 6, 2006 and has been associated with our Company since its inception.
Gibrán Chapur
CEO
The Palace Company
Gibrán Chapur
CEO
The Palace Company
Website
Gibran Chapur is executive vice president of Palace Resorts, the company that sets the standard in five-star, luxury, all-inclusive resort accommodations in Mexico & the Caribbean. With 17 years of business experience, Gibran has worked in every division of the company, from purchasing to operations, including sales and administration, giving him extensive knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the business. In the past eight years, under Gibran's leadership, the company has expanded significantly, developing hotels including Moon Palace Jamaica and Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos, bringing the portfolio to ten hotels. In 2023, that number will increase to a total of eleven, with the opening of Moon Palace Punta Cana, the company’s most ambitious project thus far. Upon completion of this project, the brand will grow to include a total of 15,000 employees and 8,000 rooms. Under Gibran’s vision and direction, Palace Resorts has achieved recognition as the industry’s leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand, offering guests impeccable service, world-class entertainment, and best-of-class amenities, thereby offering guests an unforgettable experience. Gibran aims to continue growing the Palace Resorts brand, ultimately becoming one of the world’s largest hotel chains, through effective marketing strategies and by diversifying the brand portfolios and destinations in which they are located. Today, Gibran oversees the global sales and marketing for the company and is also President of Palace Elite, Mexico’s largest Vacation Club. He also runs the real estate investment division for his family. Gibran also sits on the board of directors for Palace Resorts and has served as President of Fundación Palace, (the Palace Resorts Foundation), a non-profit organization created with the ultimate goal of giving hope to those in need and supporting the local environment through its communities. Gibran credits his innate talent for the hospitality business in Mexico from his father, José Chapur. The Chapur family pioneered the concept of the all-inclusive luxury resort in Mexico when, they founded the Palace Resorts brand in 1988. Gibran graduated with honors, as well as the highest academic average from the Anahuac Mayab University in Merida and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration.
Gloria Fluxà
Vice-Chairman & CSO
Iberostar
Gloria Fluxà
Vice-Chairman & CSO
Iberostar
Website
Young Leader:
Gloria Fluxà has extensive experience in the tourism industry, with expertise in innovative
business and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership. In 2018 she was
appointed “Young Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum for her efforts in leading
the company’s approach to responsible tourism. As a fourth-generation member of the family
business, Gloria helps strengthen Iberostar’s values and guarantee the company alignment with
the environment, its people and communities, something that Iberostar has been recognized for
over the past 65 years.
Business profitability & legacy:
Gloria Fluxà assumed the role of Vice-Chair when she joined Iberostar Group in 2006. Throughout
these past years she has become deeply interested in generating sustainable changes across the
industry and creating a hotel company that stands for responsible tourism grounded on good
scientific, ethical, and corporate management. Technology plays a key role at Iberostar, especially
in how the company uses it to achieve its sustainable vision and how they work with it to bring
forward the hotel of the future. A hotel that reflects our sustainable vision from the moment of its
inception and architecture, implementing the latest innovations in its construction.
Purpose Vision:
To this end, in 2017, Gloria became CSO to give weight and scope to sustainability as a central
lever to provide meaning and purpose to the company’s management. Her role as CSO favors
governance and control mechanisms that allow the company to integrate environmental
protection, social and economic wellbeing, and cultural heritage in its areas of influence into
Iberostar’s business strategy on a scientific, ethical, and good corporate governance basis. With
her leadership, the company has a long-term and ambitious vision to build on circularity and
follows its own 2030 Agenda to become waste free by 2025, carbon neutral by 2030, 100%
responsible in its seafood consumption by 2025, and to improve the health of ecosystems
surrounding its hotels, among other ambitions. The Wave of Change movement, Iberostar’s
pioneering and ambitious commitment to the oceans and leading responsible tourism, reflects
this commitment of the company and the wish to share it with society.
Greg O'Hara
Founder & Senior Managing Director
Certares
Greg O'Hara
Founder & Senior Managing Director
Certares
Website
Michael Gregory (Greg) O’Hara is the Founder and a Senior Managing Director of Certares. Prior to forming Certares, he served as Chief Investment Officer of JPMorgan Chase’s Special Investments Group (“JPM SIG”).
Prior to JPM SIG, Greg was a Managing Director of One Equity Partners (“OEP”), the private equity arm of JPMorgan. Before joining OEP in 2005, he served as Executive Vice President of Worldspan and was a member of its Board of Directors. Greg is the Chairman of American Express Global Business Travel and the Chairman of the World Travel & Tourism Council, and serves on the Boards of Directors of TripAdvisor, Certares Holdings, where he is the Head of the Investment Committee and is a member of the Management Committee of Certares Management LLC, CK Opportunities Fund, where he is a member of the Investment Committee and the Management Committee, and Certares Real Estate Holdings, where he is a member of the Investment Committee and the Management Committee.
Greg received his Master of Business Administration degree from Vanderbilt University.
Hiroyuki Takahashi
Chairperson of the Board
JTB Corp
Hiroyuki Takahashi
Chairperson of the Board
JTB Corp
Website
Hiroyuki Takahashi was born in 1957 in Tokushima Prefecture. He joined Japan Travel Bureau Inc. (now JTB Corporation) after graduating from Kwansei Gakuin University School of Law and Politics in 1979. He worked in roles including Director of the West Japan Ace Division, Office Manager of the Takamatsu Branch, Office Manager of the Hiroshima Branch, Executive Managing Director of JTB Chugoku/Shikoku, before becoming Director of JTB Corporation and General Manager of Tourism Business Headquarters in 2010. In this position, he led the company’s response to the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster of 2011. He was appointed President & CEO of JTB West Japan Corp. in 2012, and became President & CEO of JTB Corporation in June 2014. He has held his current position as Chairperson of the Board since June 2020. In addition to his current position, Hiroyuki was appointed to the Prime Minister's Advisory Committee on Japan's Tourism Reopening in October 2022.
His other current appointments include:
Chairperson, Japan Association of Travel Agents
Chairperson, Tourism EXPO Japan Executive Committee
Vice Chairperson, Japan Travel and Tourism Association
Vice Chairperson and Director, Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau
Vice Chairperson, Cool Japan Public-Private Partnership Platform
Director, Japan Management Association
Vice Chairman, Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association
MICE Ambassador, Nagasaki City
Vice Chairperson, World Travel & Tourism Council
Jane Sun
CEO
Trip.com Group
Jane Sun
CEO
Trip.com Group
Website
Jane Sun has held the position of Chief Executive Officer of Trip.com Group, and served on the Board of Directors, since November 2016. She joined the company as Chief Financial Officer in 2005, before being made Chief Operating Officer in 2012, and Co-President in 2015.
Ms. Sun is well respected for her extensive experience in the operation and management of online travel businesses, as well as her knowledge of mergers and acquisitions and financial reporting and operations. She has been named one of Fortune's Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Business for the past four years. In 2019, she was awarded an Asia Society Asia Game Changer Award, and became a member of the Asia Society Board of Trustees. Forbes named her one of the Emergent 25 Asia's Latest Star Businesswomen in 2018, and one of the Most Influential and Outstanding Businesswomen in China in 2017. She was also listed among Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business in 2017. During her tenure at Trip.com Group, she has won Institutional Investor awards for both Best CEO and Best CFO.
Prior to joining Trip.com Group, Ms. Sun worked as the head of the SEC and External Reporting Division of Applied Materials, Inc. Prior to this, she worked with KPMG LLP for five years as an audit manager in Silicon Valley, California. Ms. Sun received her bachelor's degree from the business school at the University of Florida where she achieved high honors. She also obtained her LLM degree from the Peking University Law School.
Jerry Inzerillo
Group CEO
Diriyah Company
Jerry Inzerillo
Group CEO
Diriyah Company
Website
Gerard “Jerry” Inzerillo is a globally celebrated Forbes-cover visionary in the hospitality and tourism industry, with a deep aptitude for positioning strategies and iconic developments. Over the course of his five decade career in the industry, he has been a champion for the sector and its people, and the creative and logistical mind behind some of the world’s most innovative luxury brand activations and spectacular development launches.
In June 2018, Inzerillo was appointed by HRH The Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be the first CEO of the newly created Diriyah Gate Development Authority, (DGDA), a USD $20 Billion-plus giga-project aimed at restoring and reimagining the ancestral home of the original Saudi state. In this role, Inzerillo is charged with developing and implementing a master plan to turn 67 square kilometers of development area into one of the world’s greatest gathering places, encompassing world-class cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, religious, office and residential assets, with the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif as its center-point.
At-Turaif was inaugurated by His Majesty The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in November 2019, followed by hosting the G20 in November 2020 – the first time that the G20 has had its Presidency held by a Middle Eastern country.
When complete, the development will add 27 billion Saudi riyals to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's GDP, attract 27 Million visitors and employ more than 55,000 people.
Inzerillo also serves as Vice Chairman of the Forbes Travel Guide. The Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award is universally accepted as the Olympic gold medal of hospitality. As CEO of Forbes Travel Guide from 2014 to 2018, Inzerillo successfully
spearheaded the globalization of the North American company’s international footprint to more than 100 countries worldwide.
Inzerillo was President and CEO of IMG Artists, the global leader in artist management, performing arts and lifestyle events planning, from 2012 to 2014. At IMG Artists, he directed global strategies for music, events, festivals, government consulting and artist and facility management businesses.
From 1991 to 2011, Inzerillo was president of Kerzner Entertainment Group, where he raised the profile and positioning of its properties in South Africa, the Bahamas, Dubai, Morocco, Mauritius, Mexico, the Maldives, as well as conceptualized and positioned the start-up of its One&Only and Atlantis brands. He oversaw the now-legendary launches of The Lost City at Sun City in South Africa, Atlantis in the Bahamas and Atlantis, Dubai, the latter considered to be the most covered hotel resort opening of all time, including achieving the front cover of Time magazine.
From 1991 to 1996, Inzerillo served as COO of Sun City, the unique South African resort complex built by Sol Kerzner. While in South Africa, he enjoyed a close personal friendship with President Nelson Mandela. In 1994, Inzerillo coordinated major portions of Mr Mandela’s Presidential Inauguration in South Africa.
In 1987, he was the founding President and CEO of Morgans Hotel Group, later rebranded as Ian Schrager Hotels. While there, he conceptualized and opened Morgans, Royalton and Paramount in New York; the Delano in Miami Beach; and Mondrian in L.A.
Throughout, Inzerillo’s leadership has led to the conceptual success of breakout brands such as Atlantis, One&Only Resorts, Ian Schrager Hotels, Four Seasons and Hilton Hotels.
In his personal life, Inzerillo has long been involved with philanthropy, especially with respect to children, education and HIV/AIDS. He was honored with a Knighthood by the Knights of Malta in Rome, Italy, in 1996. Inzerillo is also a founding advisory board member of the Clinton AIDS initiative.
Inzerillo is the recipient of a host of awards and distinctions, including a cameo role in the James Bond film, ‘Casino Royale’ in addition to being featured on the front cover of Forbes magazine.
Jerry Inzerillo is married to former CNN anchor Prudence Solomon. Their daughter, Helena Zakade Inzerillo, was named by her Godfather, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nelson Mandela. Inzerillo resides in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and New York City.
Matthew Upchurch
Chairman & CEO
Virtuoso
Matthew Upchurch
Chairman & CEO
Virtuoso
Website
Matthew is a travel industry visionary with a lifetime of experience in numerous sectors of the field. He has led Virtuoso (formerly Allied Percival International) since its founding in 1986, and is the innovator behind the industry's foremost retail luxury travel brand and the trend setting relationship-building Virtuoso Travel Week (formerly Travel Mart).
Matthew was named to the American Society of Travel Agents Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Cruise Lines International Association Hall of Fame in 2010, and has served as the chairman of the Travel Institute. He is a sought-after expert on luxury travel and speaks regularly around the world on the topic at industry conferences and with major media outlets. Matthew attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, and holds a Certified Travel Counselor accreditation from the Travel Institute.
Paolo Barletta
CEO
Arsenale Spa
Paolo Barletta
CEO
Arsenale Spa
Website
Paolo Barletta is an Italian entrepreneur in the luxury hospitality sector and co-founder of Arsenale Group, established through Annabel Holding with Nicola Bulgari. In just a few years, Arsenale has become a global leader in luxury train cruises and one of Italy’s top players in high-end hospitality, managing iconic properties in Rome, Venice, Taormina, and Tuscany.
Barletta led Arsenale’s expansion into experiential tourism, creating a world-leading luxury train business in under four years through a strategic partnership with Italian railways. In 2025, Arsenale launched the La Dolce Vita Orient Express—a fleet of six luxury trains—and the Orient Express La Minerva Hotel in Rome, setting new standards in immersive travel.
Internationally, Arsenale holds exclusive long-term agreements with Italy, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uzbekistan, and the UAE, including projects like Dream of the Desert, Wonder of Emirates, The Samarkand Express, and Guardian of the Nile. Arsenale is also one of the world’s few luxury train manufacturers, with two factories in Southern Italy.
The company is majority-controlled by Barletta Group (59%), with stakes held by the Bulgari family and OakTree Capital. Recently, the Rovati family joined Barletta Group, supporting new ventures in hospitality and education.
Barletta also founded Alchimia Spa, a multi-family office managing with a focus in Venture Capital. He serves on the Board of the World Travel and Tourism Council.
Pierfrancesco Vago
Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group
MSC Group
Pierfrancesco Vago
Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group
MSC Group
Website
Pierfrancesco Vago leads the Cruise Division of MSC Group, the leading, privately held Swiss-based shipping and logistics conglomerate.
From the Division’s global headquarters in Geneva, Mr Vago sets the strategy and long-term vision of MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise brand, and Explora Journeys, the Group’s new luxury ocean travel brand.
Mr Vago focuses on the two brands’ sustained growth, fleet development and the division’s overall terminal portfolio.
He also oversees other MSC Group subsidiaries in maritime passenger shipping, including ferry operator GNV.
As Chair of the MSC Foundation’s Executive Committee, Mr Vago leads MSC Group’s philanthropic efforts, focusing on conservation, humanitarian and cultural projects seeking to restore the critical balance between people and nature within a generation.
As CEO of MSC Cruises from 2003 to 2013, Mr Vago oversaw the company’s first phase of expansion, which saw 12 purpose-built cruise ships join the brand’s fleet in just ten years, to become the leading line in Europe.
Mr Vago was appointed Global Chairman of CLIA, the cruise industry’s international association, in January 2021. After three years in this position, Mr Vago took up the position of Chairman, CLIA Europe, for a second term.
Tony Fernandes
CEO of Capital A
Capital A Berhad / AirAsia
Tony Fernandes
CEO of Capital A
Capital A Berhad / AirAsia
Website
Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, a Malaysian, is Capital A’s Non-Independent Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer. He has been appointed to the Board on 30 March 2018. He is responsible for the overall strategic planning and business direction of Capital A Group.
One of Asia’s most recognisable entrepreneurs, Tony Fernandes is best known for co-founding AirAsia with Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and democratising air travel in the region. Fernandes and Datuk Kamarudin famously bought the ailing airline for a token MYR1 (approximately USD0.25) and MYR40 million in debt, turning it around within two years and growing it from a Malaysian domestic carrier into Asia’s fourth largest airline. Over the past 23 years, he has played an pivotal role in growing the airline from 2 planes with 200 staff to now a fleet of 250 aircraft, carrying 90 million passengers a year, and 900 million passengers since inception.
Since 2018, Fernandes has been spearheading a digital transformation of his businesses, launching AirAsia MOVE in October 2020 (then airasia Superapp), an online travel platform which offers flights, hotels, and e-hailing services among others. He was instrumental in transforming Capital A Group into a conglomerate offering services beyond aviation, namely aviation MRO services under ADE, a travel-related services platform under AirAsia MOVE Group, logistics services under Teleport Group, fintech services under BigPay Group, as well as in-flight catering services and food products and services under Santan.
He studied in the United Kingdom and qualified as an Associate Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants since 1991, and as a Fellow Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants since 1996. He is also a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
An accountant by training, he started out his career in the United Kingdom as Auditor in Brewers Chartered Accountants in September 1987 and subsequently joined Virgin Music Group Limited as Financial Controller in December 1987. In 1990, he was appointed as Chief Executive Officer in Warner Music Group.
He has received numerous honours and awards over the course of his career. These include the Honour of the Commander of the Order of the British Empire, conferred by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2011, and the Commander of the Legion d'Honneur, awarded by the French Government in 2013 for outstanding contributions to the economy of France through the aviation industry. He also received the Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM) award conferred by Yang Di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, which carries the title Tan Sri.
William E. Heinecke
Founder & Chairman
Minor Hotel Group
William E. Heinecke
Founder & Chairman
Minor Hotel Group
Website
William E. Heinecke is the founder and chairman of Minor International, the parent company of Minor Hotels, Minor Food and Minor Lifestyle. His leadership of Minor International has spanned close to six decades, guiding what began as a small startup into one of the world’s largest hospitality and restaurant groups, encompassing 64 countries across six continents, with the current market cap of USD 5 billion and employing more than 76,000 people worldwide.
Known as one of Asia’s most inveterate entrepreneurs, Mr. Heinecke's journey to business icon began at age 17 while still in high school. Using USD 1,200 in borrowed funds, he registered his business ventures in office cleaning and advertising in Bangkok. The businesses were later registered under the name ‘Minor Holdings’, a homage to his ‘minor’ status.
In the intervening years, Mr. Heinecke has fused his passion for experiential hospitality with a maverick style and shrewd commercial acumen, growing what became known as Minor Hotels into a diversified global hospitality group with brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Elewana, Tivoli, NH, NH Collection, nhow, JW Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis, and Radisson Blu. The group’s hotel portfolio tripled in size with the acquisition of Spain's NH Hotel Group in 2018, the year of Minor's golden anniversary, and Mr. Heinecke continues to be a driving force behind Minor Hotels, which currently boasts more than 550 hotels in 55 countries.
Having felt the time was perfectly ripe to introduce the American fast-food concept to Thai market, Mr. Heinecke founded Minor Food with one Pizza Restaurant in Thailand in 1980. His food business then grew to become Asia’s leading restaurant group with over 2,600 outlets in 24 countries worldwide, including The Pizza Company, The Coffee Club, Burger King, Bonchon, Benihana, Swensen’s, Dairy Queen’s, Thai Express, Coffee Journey and GAGA. Minor Lifestyle, meanwhile, operates nearly 300 retail stores in Thailand, with brands including Anello, BergHOFF, Charles and Keith, Bossini, Joseph Joseph, Zwilling J.A. Henckels and Minor Smart Kids.
His businesses were listed separately on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 1988 before they were later consolidated as Minor International.
Mr. Heinecke’s name has become synonymous with entrepreneurial success and hospitality leadership in Asia. He was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards in 2022, and HOTELS Magazine's Corporate Hotelier of the World 2017. He also received a HICAP Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 and was recognized with the Trailblazer Award at the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards in 2013. He is the author of The Entrepreneur: 25 Golden Rules for the Global Business Manager. Under his leadership, Minor Hotels was an early pioneer in eco-friendly hospitality in Southeast Asia and has since established itself as a leader in sustainable tourism development.
Mr. Heinecke served as CEO of Minor International until 2020, before deciding to focus on his role as chairman of the board and direct more of his attention on the group’s long-term strategy and philanthropic endeavors including the Heinecke Foundation, which supports education for less-fortunate children; the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, which seeks to improve the welfare of elephants; and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, which helps rejuvenate the turtle population in Thailand’s Sirinat Marine National Park. He also travels frequently to forge new business relationships and nurture existing ones.
Born in the US in 1949, Mr. Heinecke moved to Bangkok in 1963 at age 14 with his family after stints living in Japan, Hong Kong and Malaysia. He became a Thai citizen in 1991. He married his high school sweetheart Kathy in 1968, and together they have two sons, John and David.
An avid adventurer, Mr. Heinecke fills his limited free time pursuing life-long passions for aviation and automobiles. He is a Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing Pilot and a vintage car collector. He co-owns MJets, which operates the first and only FBO & Private Jet Terminal in Thailand.
Executive Committee
Adam Stewart
Group Deputy Chairman & CEO
Sandals Resort
Adam Stewart
Group Deputy Chairman & CEO
Sandals Resort
Website
Adam Stewart is Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), the company founded by his late father, Gordon “Butch” Stewart who owned and operated luxury all-inclusive resorts including adult, couples-only Sandals Resorts and family-friendly Beaches Resorts. His efforts have been recognized by numerous hospitality industry awards including being named the 2015 Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Hotelier of the Year. Following in his father’s footsteps, he leads the strategic vision of the company as it prepares for a bold strategy forward. In addition to his expanded role with SRI, Stewart continues his leadership role in the family’s extensive hospitality, media, automotive and appliance business holdings, including his position as Executive Chairman of The ATL Group. Deeply committed to the region, Stewart also serves as the President of the Sandals Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization aimed at fulfilling the promise of the Caribbean community, and is chair of the country’s Tourism Linkages Council, which seeks to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of local suppliers, making the strength of tourism work for all.
Anthony Capuano
President and CEO
Marriott International, Inc.
Anthony Capuano
President and CEO
Marriott International, Inc.
Website
Anthony Capuano is President and CEO of Marriott International, Inc. In his role, Mr. Capuano
presides over the world’s largest hospitality company and some of the most iconic brands in travel.
The company now has nearly 9,500 properties across 144 countries and territories and over 30
brands. It also has the travel industry’s largest customer loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, which
has nearly 237 million members.
Before his appointment as CEO in February 2021, Mr. Capuano was Group President, Global
Development, Design and Operations Services, where he led the strategic unit growth of all of
Marriott’s brands while overseeing the global design team as well as Marriott’s global operating
standards and protocols for thousands of properties around the world. Mr. Capuano was also
responsible for oversight of the EDITION Hotels, a unique concept in the luxury lifestyle hotel
space conceived by hotelier Ian Schrager and Marriott International.
Mr. Capuano joined Marriott in 1995 and was instrumental in its steady growth over the years,
which included the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in 2016. Mr. Capuano
began his Marriott career as part of the Market Planning and Feasibility team, where he helped
the company assess the overall economic viability of new and existing hotels, balancing the
company’s interests with the needs of hotel owners and developers, investors, lenders, and
operators.
That role prepared him to lead Marriott’s development efforts in the Western United States and
Canada for its full-service hotel brands. Later, his responsibilities expanded to include North
America, the Caribbean and Latin America. In 2009, Mr. Capuano assumed global development
responsibility. He began overseeing global design in 2014 and global operations in January 2020.
Mr. Capuano earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in Hotel Administration. He is
an active member of the Cornell Hotel Society, The Cornell School of Hotel Administration Dean’s
Advisory Board, as well as the Business Roundtable and the American Hotel and Lodging
Association’s IREFAC Council. Additionally, Mr. Capuano serves on the Board of Directors for
McDonald's Corporation, The Economic Club of Washington, D.C., and Save Venice, a nonprofit
organization dedicated to preserving the artistic heritage of Venice, Italy. He resides in Potomac,
Maryland, with his wife.
Cara Morton
CEO Global Businesses & Operations
Zurich Cover-More Global Travel, Inc.
Cara Morton
CEO Global Businesses & Operations
Zurich Cover-More Global Travel, Inc.
Website
Cara Morton has an extensive background in strategic business transformation and leadership within the insurance and financial services sectors. She assumed the role of CEO Global Businesses and
Operations in January 2026. Prior to that, she was CEO of Zurich Global Ventures and joined the Executive Committee in February 2024. She served as CEO of Cover-More Group, part of Zurich Global
Ventures, from April 2020 to February 2024. She initially joined Cover-More in July 2018 as interim CEO of World Travel Protection and then became COO of Cover-More in November 2018, a role she
held until April 2020 when she was named CEO.
External appointments - Ms. Morton is a member of the board of the Australian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce.
Educational background - Ms. Morton holds a bachelor’s degree, with honors, in minerals processing engineering from the University of Queensland.
Caroline Beteta
President & CEO
Visit California
Caroline Beteta
President & CEO
Visit California
Website
Caroline Beteta serves as president & CEO of the industry-led Visit California, a nonprofit organization created to market California as a premier travel destination to increase the state’s share of tourism-related revenues. She simultaneously serves as a strategic advisor for the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development (GO-Biz). She is responsible for implementing Visit California’s global marketing program on behalf of the organization’s 21,000 investors and serves as the lead spokesperson for California’s travel industry. In her tenure, she has overseen a decade of growth for California’s travel industry, peaking in 2019 with a record $144.9 billion in economic benefit to the state. She has shepherded the growth of Visit California into a global marketing franchise and helped restore travel and tourism following numerous natural and economic crises.
Caroline serves as a member of the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, which advises the Secretary of Commerce on issues that affect the U.S. tourism industry. She has previously served as Chair of the Board, as well as Acting CEO for Brand USA, where she provided strategic direction for the $200 million global program, interfacing with national congressional leaders and the administration. During a two-year term as National Chair of the U.S. Travel Association, she guided the successful merger of the Travel Industry Association with the Travel Business Roundtable and the creation of Brand USA. Caroline currently serves on the Executive Committee of the World Travel and Tourism Council — Visit California was the first destination marketing organization invited to join the WTTC.
Caroline has received numerous awards for her creative work and leadership in the travel industry, including induction into the U.S. Travel Association’s Hall of Leaders.
Caroline holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of California, Los Angeles and a master’s degree in Public Administration/Intergovernmental Affairs from the University of Southern California. She also completed the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Marketing Management Program.
Christie Travers-Smith
Director, EMEA Strategic Partnerships
Google Inc.
Christie Travers-Smith
Director, EMEA Strategic Partnerships
Google Inc.
Website
Christie Travers-Smith began her Google career in 2012, leading teams focused on Fashion,
Luxury, and Beauty in the UK. Today, she spearheads Strategic Partnerships for Travel and
Retail across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Managing key business and industry
relationships, she plays a pivotal role in working with Boards to drive operational digital and AI
powered transformations.Travers-Smith's pre-Google experience spans an extensive career in
strategy and consulting, collaborating with major international brands from bases in London,
New York and Beijing. A dedicated contributor to the travel industry, she is an Executive
Committee member of the World Travel and Tourism Council and has held numerous
Non-Executive Director roles. A University of Oxford graduate,Travers-Smith is also proficient in
Mandarin Chinese and lives in London with her husband and two children.
Christopher J Nassetta
President & CEO
Hilton
Christopher J Nassetta
President & CEO
Hilton
Website
Christopher Nassetta is President and CEO for Hilton. He joined the company in 2007. Previously, Mr. Nassetta was President and CEO of Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc., a position he held since 2000. He joined Host in 1995 as Executive Vice President and was elected Chief Operating Officer in 1997. Before joining Host, Mr. Nassetta co-founded Bailey Capital Corporation in 1991, where he was responsible for the operations of the real estate investment and advisory firm. Prior to founding Bailey Capital Corporation, he spent seven years at The Oliver Carr Company, ultimately serving as Chief Development Officer. In this role, he was responsible for all development and related activities for one of the largest commercial real estate companies in the mid-Atlantic region. Mr. Nassetta graduated from the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce with a degree in finance. He currently serves on McIntire’s Advisory Board.
Dillip Rajakarier
CEO, Minor Hotels and Group CEO, Minor International
Minor Hotel Group
Dillip Rajakarier
CEO, Minor Hotels and Group CEO, Minor International
Minor Hotel Group
Website
Dillip Rajakarier is Group CEO of Minor International (MINT), and CEO of Minor Hotels (MH).
Rajakarier joined MH in 2007 as Chief Finance & Investment Officer and was promoted to COO in 2008. In 2011 he was promoted to CEO, and more recently in January 2020, he was appointed Group CEO of Minor International, alongside his leadership role as CEO of Minor Hotels. During his time with the company he has seen the group’s core Anantara brand grow from just a handful of properties to become a leading operator and developer, currently with 43 luxury properties in operation.
Since joining MH from Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises, Rajakarier has been instrumental in the expansion of the hotel portfolio, including the 2018 acquisition of NH Hotel Group, the addition of Tivoli Hotels & Resorts and ‘Elewana Afrika’, the integration of Sun International, and the strategic acquisition of Oaks Hotels & Resorts.
In 2018, MINT was transformed into a truly global hospitality company following the successful completion of its tender offer for shares in NH Hotel Group, which secured a 94.1% shareholding stake at a total investment of EUR 2,327 million. The acquisition increases MINT’s overall portfolio to more than 530 hotels and resorts in 56 countries across the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Rajakarier is responsible for the Company’s overarching strategy across all business units, including the corporate shared services of legal, IT and finance, as well as talent development and business culture. He is tasked with expanding MINT’s core businesses: hospitality, restaurants and lifestyle, into globally recognized leaders.
Minor Hotels is an international hotel owner, operator and investor with a diverse portfolio of brands including Anantara, AVANI, Oaks, Tivoli, M Collection, NH Collection, NH, nhow and Elewana.
Elie Maalouf
Global CEO
IHG Hotels & Resorts
Elie Maalouf
Global CEO
IHG Hotels & Resorts
Website
Appointed to the Board
1 January 2018
Skills and experience:
Elie was appointed Chief Executive Officer, Americas at IHG in February 2015. He joined the Group having spent six years as President and Chief Executive Officer of HMSHost Corporation, where he was also a member of the board of directors. Elie brings broad global experience spanning hotel development, branding, finance, real estate and operations management as well as food and beverage expertise. Prior to joining IHG, Elie was Senior Advisor with McKinsey & Company from 2012 to 2014.
Board contribution:
Elie brings a deep understanding of the global hospitality sector to the Board from multiple leadership roles across major global franchise businesses. He is responsible for business development and performance of all hotel and resort brands and properties in the Americas region and has global responsibility for customer development, providing oversight of the Global Sales organisation, as well as owner management and services strategy.
Other appointments:
Elie is a member of both the American Hotel & Lodging Association Executive Committee of the Board and the U.S. Travel Association CEO Roundtable. In addition, Elie is a board member of the Atlanta Committee for Progress and a member of the Real Estate Roundtable.
Fahd Hamidaddin
CEO
Saudi Tourism Authority
Fahd Hamidaddin
CEO
Saudi Tourism Authority
Website
Fahd Hamidaddin is Chief Executive Officer and a Member of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority. In this role, he is responsible for delivering on the Authority’s mandate to build domestic and inbound visitation by developing, packaging and distributing tourism offerings in collaboration with the industry. He also oversees the development of the Visit Saudi destination brand and the monitoring of visitor experiences.
Before taking on his current role, Fahd served as Chief of Investment, Strategy and Tourism Marketing for the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. In that capacity he played a leading role in launching the e-visa and introducing the Visit Saudi brand with a global campaign that established Saudi Arabia as the world’s most exciting new tourism destination.
Formerly, Fahd was Chief Commercial Officer at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), where he led the Destination Management Office and spearheaded marketing, corporate communications and sustainable development projects. Before joining KAEC, Fahd was Chief of Marketing & Competitiveness at the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), where he won five international awards for communications and advertising campaigns, and online marketing strategy.
In addition to sitting on the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority, Fahd is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Prince Mohammad bin Salman College for Business and Entrepreneurship, the Board of the Qiddiya Investment Company, the Board of the General Authority for Conventions and Exhibitions and several government committees.
Frank Marini
President & CEO
Railbookers Group
Frank Marini
President & CEO
Railbookers Group
Website
As President and CEO of Railbookers Group, Frank oversees RB Group’s global travel brands, Railbookers and Amtrak Vacations. In his role, Frank is responsible for the strategy, growth, operations, and performance of all RBG brands. Railbookers Group, a fully-remote company with a global workforce, is proud to offer the largest selection of independent rail vacations worldwide, with a comprehensive product portfolio reaching the most sought-after destinations on six continents.
Frank R. Rainieri
Founder and Chairman of the Board
Grupo Puntacana
Frank R. Rainieri
Founder and Chairman of the Board
Grupo Puntacana
Website
Mr. Frank Rainieri is Founder, President and CEO of GRUPO PUNTACANA, and President of The Puntacana Group Foundation. Among his merits we shall mention some importants recognitions such as The “Presidential Citation Award” by President Ronald Reagan in 1985. He represented our country at the “Young Entrepreneur in Under Development Countries” in 1985 Geneve, Switzerland; “Hotelier of The Year Award, 1998” by the Caribbean Hotel Association. Apponted on 2014 as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Sovereign Order Of Malta in the Dominican Republic by the Gran Maestre of the Order of Malta, and the Distinction “Honorable Italian of the world” by the Italian Parliament and the Italian Senate in 2015.
In the Dominican Republic, he has been former Director of the National Council of Businessmen, member of the Monetary Board and Director of APEC University; Former President of the American Chamber of Commerce, and currently member of it board; former President of National Association of Hotels and Restaurants; and currently member of its Board. Actual President of the Dominican Association of Airports; Member of the National Competitiveness Council; Member of the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA); Member of WPO International, Member of the Clinton Global Initiative Org, and member of the World Travel and Tourism Council.
Greg Schulze
Chief Commercial Officer
Expedia Group
Greg Schulze
Chief Commercial Officer
Expedia Group
Website
As Chief Commercial Officer and president of Travel Partners and Media, Greg Schulze ensures Expedia Group’s global supply is the cornerstone of its marketplace. Additionally, Schulze is responsible for Expedia Group’s growing advertising business, considered the most valuable travel media network. With his experience in building transformational partnerships across all verticals, Schulze underscores Expedia Group's commitment to strengthening relationships in the travel industry. His teams ensure Expedia Group customers have access to more than three million lodging properties, airlines, activities, rental cars, cruises, and more.
In 2023, Schulze was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. He also serves on the executive committee for the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the board of directors of Traveloka.
Previously Schulze was Senior Vice President of Strategic Travel Partners, managing all global relationships with travel partners. A long-time Expedia Group veteran, Schulze has held a wide variety of leadership positions for strategy, commercial, operations, and analytics in his almost 20-year tenure with the Company. Prior to Expedia Group, Schulze led pricing strategy for American Airlines. Schulze holds a bachelor's degree in engineering from Northwestern University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina. He embraces a global perspective, having lived and worked in North America, Asia, and Europe.
Hamza Farooqui
CEO
Millat Group
Hamza Farooqui
CEO
Millat Group
Website
Hamza Farooqui is a bold and visionary entrepreneur driving a new wave of growth in Africa’s hospitality and tourism sectors. As the founder and CEO of Millat Group, he has positioned the company at the forefront of global partnerships, spearheading investments that bring world-class brands such as Pret a Manger, the Hyatt group, and Circle K into South Africa and beyond.
For Hamza, hospitality is more than a business – it is a catalyst for economic transformation. His investments focus on creating jobs, developing skills, and unlocking opportunities that extend far beyond the boardroom. By championing ventures that are both commercially competitive and environmentally sustainable, he is reshaping the narrative of what African hospitality can achieve on the global stage.
What sets Hamza apart is his relentless focus on execution. Whether it’s rolling out an international food retail brand, elevating hotel operations, or scaling convenience services, his philosophy is simple: well-run businesses create lasting value. For owners, employees, and the communities they serve, Hamza’s mission is to demonstrate that South Africa and Africa can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best and win.
James Thornton
CEO
Intrepid Travel
James Thornton
CEO
Intrepid Travel
Website
Hailing from the UK, James began his career in asset management before making a career change to join Intrepid Travel’s UK office as Sales & Marketing Coordinator. Over the past 18 years James has held a variety of senior roles including EMEA Regional Director, General Manager Global Sales, and Managing Director of Intrepid Group. Appointed as CEO in March 2017, James has been instrumental in the growth of Intrepid, focusing on the dual objectives of growing the market for sustainable experience-rich travel and operating a company that balances purpose and profit. Under his leadership, Intrepid achieved B Corporation certification and recorded four consecutive years of record top and bottom line growth between 2015 and 2019. In 2018 James was named Hospitality and Tourism Executive of the Year in the CEO Magazine Awards. He is a member of the Young President’s Organization and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
James' top Intrepid trip was trekking with the Gorilla’s in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. "Being face to face with a mountain gorilla in their natural habitat was the most exhilarating experience. I’ll forever treasure that experience."
Jason Liberty
President and CEO
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Jason Liberty
President and CEO
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Website
Jason Liberty is President and Chief Executive Officer for Royal Caribbean Group, which consists of three global cruise brands, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises, as well as TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, of which it is a 50% owner in a joint venture. The company’s 60 ships carry more than 7.5 million guests a year to ports on all seven continents. Since joining the Company in 2005, Liberty has had many roles, most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In his former role, Liberty was responsible for Finance, Strategy, Shared Service Operations, Legal, Technology, Silversea Cruises and the TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Joint Venture. Before joining Royal Caribbean Group, he was a senior manager with the accounting firm KPMG LLP. Liberty earned his MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School, where he now serves on the Board of advisors. In addition, he holds degrees in accounting and finance from the University of Miami School of Business and Indiana University, Bloomington, Kelley School of Business, respectively. He also serves on the board of directors of WNS Limited, a business process management public company.
Jason Wynn
Managing Director - Head of Chase Travel Group
JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Jason Wynn
Managing Director - Head of Chase Travel Group
JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Website
Jason Wynn is the Managing Director and Head of Chase Travel Group, a top three by consumer travel agency by volume. In this role, Jason oversees all travel related functions and is responsible for the firm’s consumer and corporate travel strategy which led to the acquisitions of cxLoyalty, an industry leading travel booking platform and most recently the acquisition of FROSCH Travel – a leading premium travel provider servicing both leisure and small business.
Prior to joining the firm, Jason was the Chief Commercial Officer at Upside – a travel start up launched by the founders of Priceline. He has an extensive background in travel including 15 years at American Express where he held several leadership roles across supplier relations, marketing, distribution, pricing and revenue management. He started his career in the Airline industry, working in finance and revenue management at United Airlines and America West Airlines.
Jason received a B.A. in Economics from Columbia University and an MBA from Arizona State University. He lives in Southern California with his wife and two young children.
John Mangelaars
Travelport
Josh Weinstein
Chief Executive Officer
Carnival Corporation & plc.
Josh Weinstein
Chief Executive Officer
Carnival Corporation & plc.
Website
Josh is president, chief executive officer and chief climate officer of Carnival Corporation & plc and leads one of the world’s largest leisure travel companies that boasts a portfolio of world-class cruise line brands including AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises (Australia), P&O Cruises (UK), Princess Cruises, and Seabourn.
The company operates a global fleet of 90-plus ships that welcomes nearly 13 million guests each year and visits over 800 ports and destinations worldwide. Its diverse team of more than
160,000 people from 150 countries delivers unforgettable happiness by providing extraordinary cruise vacations, while honoring the integrity of every ocean sailed, place visited, and life
touched.
A 20-year veteran of the company, Josh assumed his current position in August 2022 after playing a critical role planning the company’s response to the unprecedented pause in guest operations from the COVID-19 pandemic and then the successful restart. His tenure at Carnival includes previous roles as chief operations officer of Carnival Corporation from June 2020 – July 2022, where he directed major operational functions including global maritime, global ports and destinations, global sourcing, global IT and global auditing. During this time, he also oversaw Carnival UK, the operating company for P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard.
He previously managed Carnival UK directly, serving as president from July 2017 – 2020.
Josh also served as treasurer for Carnival Corporation from 2007 to 2017 following five years as an attorney in the corporate legal department. In addition to his treasury role, Josh’s responsibilities increased over his career to include oversight of the tax, risk management and finance, planning & analysis functions.
Prior to joining Carnival Corporation, he served as a corporate attorney.
Josh is currently on the board of trustees of the Perez Art Museum Miami. Over the past several years Josh has also served on the board of directors of Catalyst, a global nonprofit focused on advancing women in the workplace, and the board of the Adrienne Arsht Center Trust, which supports the organization’s performing arts center in Miami-Dade County.
Josh is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the New York University School of Law, and is a native of New York.
He and his wife reside in Miami with their three children.
Mark Hoplamazian
President & CEO
Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Mark Hoplamazian
President & CEO
Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Website
Mark S. Hoplamazian was appointed to the Board of Directors in November 2006 and named president and Chief Executive Officer of Hyatt Hotels Corporation in December 2006. Prior to being appointed to his present position, Hoplamazian served as President of The Pritzker Organization (TPO), the Principal Financial and Investment Adviser for Pritzker family business interests. During his 17-year tenure with TPO, he served as adviser to various Pritzker family-owned companies, including Hyatt Hotels Corporation and its predecessors. He previously worked in international mergers and acquisitions at the First Boston Corporation in New York City. Hoplamazian was appointed to the VF Corporation board of directors in February 2015, and serves on the advisory board of the Chicago Booth Council for the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of World Business Chicago, and the board of trustees of the Aspen Institute and of the Latin School of Chicago. Hoplamazian is a member of the World Travel & Tourism Council and the Commercial Club of Chicago. He also is a member of the Discovery Class of the Henry Crown Fellowship.
Nerio Alessandri
Founder & CEO
Technogym
Nerio Alessandri
Founder & CEO
Technogym
Website
In 1983, at just 22 years old, Nerio Alessandri founded Technogym in his home garage by
combining his passion for innovation (TECHNO) and that for sport (GYM). In the early
1990s Alessandri coined the concept of Wellness, a lifestyle that aims to improve the
quality of life thanks to regular physical activity, a healthy diet and a positive mental
attitude. Today Technogym is a world-leading brand in products and digital technologies
for fitness, sport and health and is present in 100 thousand wellness centers and 500
thousand private homes in over 100 countries. Technogym has been the Official Supplier
of the Olympic Games for over 20 years. In addition to Technogym, Nerio Alessandri also
created the Wellness Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at promoting wellness
as a social opportunity for all stakeholders: Governments, Businesses and Citizens.
Nicolas Huss
CEO
HBX Group
Nicolas Huss
CEO
HBX Group
Website
Nicolas is an experienced board level executive and CEO with a strong reputation in the payment, financial services and travel industries which began when he became CEO of GE Money Spain in 2008. He then joined Apollo Global Management where he was responsible for building up their Consumer Finance business in Spain and Ireland, before progressing to become the CEO of Visa Europe in 2013 and then of Ingenico Group, a global player in payments, in 2018. With his extensive experience of transforming technology and digital companies, Nicolas is an inspirational value-based leader who is credited with developing high performing teams, moving at pace to drive success and organic business growth while creating dynamic and collaborative cultures through which transformation and critical business outcomes are realised. Until July 2021, Nicolas was a non-executive independent board director to Amadeus IT Group, where he was also Chair of the Audit Committee. Since 2020, he has been an independent non-executive director for Entersekt, an innovator of customer-centric fintech solutions, and is the current Chair of a Luxembourg based crypto currency company, Bitstamp, a role he has held since May 2021. A French national, Nicolas has a truly international background and has lived and worked in many countries, including Spain where he was previously based for seven years and where two of his three sons now live.
Pansy Ho
Group Executive Chairman and Managing Director
Shun Tak Holdings Limited
Pansy Ho
Group Executive Chairman and Managing Director
Shun Tak Holdings Limited
Website
Ms Ho Chiu King, Pansy Catilina joined Shun Tak Group as an Executive Director in 1995 and was appointed the Managing Director in 1999 and Group Executive Chairman in 2017 to oversee the Group’s overall strategic development and management. She is the Chief Executive Officer and Director of Shun Tak – China Travel Shipping Investments Limited, Co-Chairperson and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, Chairman of Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre, Director of Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau, Executive Director of Air Macau Company Limited as well as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Macau International Airport Co. Ltd. She also holds a number of positions in various leading global tourism advisory organizations, including Vice President of China Chamber of Tourism, the first Ambassador of the PATA Foundation, and a tourism Ambassador of UN World Tourism Organisation. She is the Founder and Chairperson of the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre, and Vice Chairperson and Secretary General of the Global Tourism Economy Forum, an internationally renowned conference popularly attended by global tourism ministers and industry leaders.
Paul Griffiths
CEO
Dubai Airports International
Paul Griffiths
CEO
Dubai Airports International
Website
Paul Griffiths is CEO of Dubai Airports, with the responsibility for the operation and development of Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). Paul joined Dubai Airports as its first CEO in October 2007. Exactly a year later he orchestrated the flawless launch of Terminal 3 at DXB and on June 27, 2010 successfully opened the emirate’s second airport DWC. He achieved another milestone on January 2, 2013 with the similarly flawless opening of Concourse A, the world’s first purpose-built A380 facility and again with Concourse D on February 24, 2016. Most recently, on December 20, 2018, Paul joined Dubai Airports Chairman HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum in welcoming DXB’s billionth passenger. Next, Paul will lead efforts to completely re-design and set new standards for the airport passenger experience at DXB. Prior to moving to Dubai, Paul was Chairman and Managing Director of London’s Gatwick airport. Before joining airport operator BAA in 2004, he spent 14 years with the Virgin Group, working closely with Sir Richard Branson as a Board Director of the Virgin Travel Group.
Qusai Alfakhri
CEO
Tourism Development Fund
Qusai Alfakhri
CEO
Tourism Development Fund
Website
Qusai Al-Fakhri is currently serving as the CEO of the Tourism Development Fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, prior to that Qusai was serving as an Investment Advisor to H. E the Tourism Minister. Qusai is a seasonal banker possessing more than 20 years’ experience in corporate and investment banking gained at local as well as international institutions.
Previous Positions:
•Investment Advisor to H. E. the Tourism Minister - Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia
•Co-founder of Tiraz AlArabia
•Independent Board Member at AlRajhi Takaful
•Chief Executive Officer at AlAjial Holding
•Independent Board Member, REIT at Osool & Bakheet Investment Company
•Independent Board Member- Mutual Funds at Samba Financial Group
•Director, Head of Institutional Coverage at Société Générale Saudi Arabia
•Head of Brokerage at Jadwa Investment
•VP-Capital Markets at SHUAA Capital
•Senior Manager Business Development, Investment Department at Samba Financial Group
Robin Mack
Managing Director
Tourism Australia
Sébastien Bazin
CEO
Accor
Sébastien Bazin
CEO
Accor
Website
Sébastien Bazin, 57, holds a degree in Economics from the Sorbonne University of Paris and began his career in the finance sector in 1985 in the USA. In 1997, he joined Colony Capital to install and develop from Paris the European branch of the private investment firm. Within 15 years, he managed and participated in a number of investments in the hotel sector, including the buyout of the luxury hotel chains Fairmont and Raffles; acquisition and management of hotel assets from La Générale des Eaux, Club Méditerranée, and AccorHotels; acquisition of a stake in Lucien Barrière Group; and investment in AccorHotels. A member of AccorHotels’ board since 2005, he was appointed as Chairman and CEO of the Group in August 2013. Administrator of Théâtre du Châtelet since 2013, Sébastien Bazin took over the presidency of this board on 26 March 2015. He is also Vice Chairman of the supervisory board of the Gustave Roussy Foundation.
Zhi-gang SU
Founder & Chairman
Chimelong Group
Zhi-gang SU
Founder & Chairman
Chimelong Group
Website
Su Zhi-gang, founder & chairman of Guangdong Chimelong Group, was the Vice President of Chinese Civil Chamber of Commerce and a Member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. He leads a highly successful group of attractions in southern China and his aim is to create a world-class national brand tourist resort in China. Honors & Awards include: 1. Su Zhigang obtained the 2016 Circus Art Ambassador award (World Circus Federation); 2. Hengqin Bay Hotel won 2016 World’s Leading Themed Hotel (WTA); 3.The 5D Theater in Ocean Kingdom created two Guinness World Records: largest stereoscopic 3D projection and largest permanent projection screen in 2015 and won the 2017 Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement; 4. The Slide Wheel in Chimelong Water Park won the 2018 Leading Edge Award (World Waterpark Association) and the 2018 Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement; 5. Ocean Resistance in Chimelong Ocean Kingdom won the IAAPA 2018 Brass Ring Award as Best Live “Edutainment” Show.
Zubin Karkaria
Founder & CEO
VFS Global
Zubin Karkaria
Founder & CEO
VFS Global
Website
After graduating in commerce from Mumbai University and completing his Business Management studies from Mumbai, Zubin
Karkaria joined Orbit Trade Fair Tours in 1989. He then moved to SOTC in 1991 and was with SOTC when it was acquired by Kuoni Group in 1996. He was appointed as the COO of the Kuoni India Tour Operating Division in 1999 and moved on to become the Deputy CEO and Head of Business Development in 2003. He conceptualized and launched VFS Global in 2001, and was appointed as the CEO and Managing Director of Kuoni India and South Asia in 2005, responsible for all units of Kuoni India – Tour Operating, Destination Management, Business Travel, and Kuoni Academy, while concurrently developing the VFS Global business into a global leader in its field (as CEO from 2010 onwards). In 2013, in line with the development of VFS Global as an important Division of Kuoni Group, Zubin Karkaria was appointed on the Executive Board of Kuoni Group. From 2015 till 2017 Zubin Karkaria was Chief Executive Officer of Kuoni Group, in addition to his current role as CEO of VFS Global.
Global Member
Andy Duncan
CEO
Travelopia
Andy Duncan
CEO
Travelopia
Website
Andy has been CEO of Travelopia in March 2018. A transformational CEO who has delivered significant growth, market leadership and strategic change in a variety of industries and sectors, including both purely commercial, and commercially orientated public purpose companies. Prior CEO roles include Channel 4, H R Owen, and Camelot, as well as Board Director experience at the BBC and Unilever, and being the first ever Chair for Freeview. Over 36 years working in ‘World Class’ organisations, including significant international experience. In addition, significant Non-Executive experience with both Commercial and Public purpose organisations, including as President of the UK Advertising Association from 2014 to 2019, and Chair of the Media Trust from 2006 - 2014, as well as various other NED and Trustee roles.
Ayad Ali Al Balushi
Group CEO
OMRAN
Ayhan Bektas
Chairman
Coral Travel Group
Ayhan Bektas
Chairman
Coral Travel Group
Website
Ayhan Bektas was born in Germany in 1968. During his college life, he acted as a representative of European tourism companies in Istanbul and Antalya. In those years, seeing the importance and the potential of tourism for Turkey, he undertook business enterprises in the tourism sector. Ayhan Bektas is now the founder of the OTI Group of Companies. In addition to his Memberships in World Travel & Tourism Council, DEIK (Foreign Economic Relations Board) and ANSIAD (Association of Industrialists and Businessmen of Antalya), Ayhan Bektas is the Vice Chairman of TYD (Turkish Tourism Investors Association) and Member of the Board of BETUYAB (Belek Tourism Investors Joint Venture).
Benjamin Vuchot
Executive Director & CEO
The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Limited
Benjamin Vuchot
Executive Director & CEO
The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Limited
Website
Mr Benjamin Vuchot is Chief Executive Officer of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, which was incorporated in 1866 and is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The group is engaged in the ownership, development and management of The Peninsula Hotels portfolio, as well as luxury commercial and residential properties in key locations in Asia, Europe and USA. Mr Vuchot has over 30 years’ experience in the luxury retail business with two global leading groups, Richemont and LVMH. He has extensive experience in driving business growth and expansion through innovative strategies and initiatives. Mr Vuchot began his career at Cartier in Sales and Marketing in Hong Kong and Singapore, later becoming Far East Communications Director. In 2002, he worked as Managing Director and President Asia Pacific at Van Cleef & Arpels. These brands are both owned by the Richemont Group. In 2011, he first joined DFS Group as Managing Director and Regional President, North Asia, Hong Kong and held this position until 2017. He was appointed as President of Asia Pacific for cosmetic and fragrance retailer Sephora before rejoining DFS Group in 2020 to become Chairman and CEO. Both DFS Group and Sephora are subsidiaries of LVMH Group. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business and Marketing, from ESSEC Business School in France.
Brian Chesky
Co-Founder, CEO, Head of Community
Airbnb
Brian Chesky
Co-Founder, CEO, Head of Community
Airbnb
Website
Brian Chesky is the co-founder, Head of Community, and CEO of Airbnb, which he started with Joe Gebbia and Nathan Blecharczyk in 2008. Brian sets the company’s strategy to connect people to unique travel experiences, and drives Airbnb’s mission to create a world where anyone can belong anywhere. Originally from New York, Brian graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design.
Carlo Umberto Bonomi
Managing Principal
Investindustrial
Carlo Umberto Bonomi
Managing Principal
Investindustrial
Website
Carlo Umberto joined the Investindustrial advisory group in 1995 and has since served as a board member in a number of Investindustrial companies, including Ducati and Avincis. He also worked on the secondment to Service Point Solutions, the world leader in document management for the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) sector, where he acted first as a chairman and then as CEO. Prior to joining Investindustrial, he was the CEO of Postalmarket, Italy’s largest mail order catalogue, responsible for the Spanish operations. Prior to that, he was an account executive at Brown Brothers Harriman in New York and London.
Christina Reti
Founder & CEO
CDR
Christina Reti
Founder & CEO
CDR
Website
Christina Reti is a specialist in senior-level hospitality real estate and operational leadership roles across hotel, entertainment, and leisure sectors globally. She founded CDR Partners following nearly a decade at Korn Ferry, where she led executive searches for Real Estate Investors, Property Companies, and Hotel and Residential Platform Operators.
Her expertise spans investment, development, asset management, marketing, and operations, consistently delivering top-tier talent across the consumer and real estate landscape. Christina’s track record includes work with Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Investment Banks, Sovereign Wealth Funds, Developers, Hotel Operators, and HNWIs across EMEA and Asia.
She began her career at The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, overseeing the launch of two Assay Offices and curating international seminars on Fakes and Forgeries.
Christina holds a Master’s (Distinction) in Legal Studies of Art Ownership from Carleton University, a Master of Letters from The University of Glasgow and Christie’s Education, and an ARCT Diploma (Distinction) in Speech Arts and Drama. Her foundation in connoisseurship, critical thinking, and performance continues to inform her nuanced, people-first approach.
Daniel Richards
CEO & Founder
Global Rescue
Daniel Richards
CEO & Founder
Global Rescue
Website
Mr. Richards has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Global Rescue since he founded the company in 2004. He also serves as the President of Crisis Services Company, a Vermont-based captive insurance company. Prior to founding Global Rescue, Mr. Richards spent a decade in the private equity and financial services industries. He previously worked at the $1.3 billion private equity affiliate of Thomas Weisel Partners and in various positions at Thoma Cressey Equity Partners, Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette and Deutsche Banc Alex Brown. Mr. Richards is a graduate of Middlebury College where he played football, rugby, and was a competitive power lifter. He received his MBA from the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College where he has served as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence. He currently serves on the board of Global Wildlife Conservation, a science-based environmental conservation organization.
David Lavorel
CEO
SITA
David Lavorel
CEO
SITA
Website
David was appointed as CEO of SITA in February 2022.
Over the past 20 years, David has served in a range of senior roles at SITA, most recently as CEO of SITA AIRPORT AND BORDERS, where under his leadership and vision, SITA has been leading a strategic change for the industry, helping customers implement digitalized and smart solutions, tackling one of today’s top priorities in the world of travel: seamless passenger journeys across an increasingly intelligent and efficient air transport industry.
David also previously served as CEO of SITA FOR AIRCRAFT, where he pursued a strategy to extract the full potential of the connected aircraft for SITA’s customer airlines. Before that he worked as a Senior VP Corporate Development and Head of the CEO office, where his responsibilities included driving the execution of the company's growth and development plans.
David joined SITA in January 2000 and served as Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions and Head of France Telecom Partnership Management (SITA Communications business).
A Swiss and French national, David is a graduate engineer of Telecom Paris and started his career in consulting including working for KPMG Consulting.
David is based in Geneva.
Deepak Ohri
Founder & CEO
LAMH Management Asia Co., Ltd.
Deepak Ohri
Founder & CEO
LAMH Management Asia Co., Ltd.
Website
Deepak Ohri is a global icon in luxury hospitality, recognized for transforming the industry through his "experiential luxury" philosophy. As the visionary creator and former CEO of a landmark luxury hotel brand in Asia, he pioneered the "Vertical Destination" concept and established the world’s highest rooftop restaurants, earning multiple Michelin stars and international acclaim.
Now, as the Founder and CEO of Luxury Atelier Maison Happiness (LAMH), Deepak is redefining the intersection of high-end technology and human emotion. Under the LAMH banner, he has demonstrated a unique ability to bridge the gap between creative vision and financial performance. He has spearheaded the transformation of several listed and private entities, significantly increasing their enterprise value through strategic repositioning and operational excellence.
His latest venture, set for a landmark global launch in May 2026, introduces a groundbreaking experiential model that leverages advanced technology to amplify personalized luxury. This model serves as a strategic solution for asset optimization, proving that the "Human Spirit" remains the ultimate currency in a digital age.
Duma Wang
Founder & CEO
HiSEAS International
Duma Wang
Founder & CEO
HiSEAS International
Website
Duma founded HiSEAS as a destination management corporation in 2011 and has served as its CEO since then, emerging as a visionary leader driving the group's strategic expansion and deepening its footprint in the global travel and tourism sector. Under his stewardship, HiSEAS has achieved significant growth in APAC, EMEA, and Americas markets. He has enhanced the company's market prominence, advanced scaled market reach, and led impactful digital transformation, all of which have strengthened HiSEAS' competitive position in the destination management sector.
In addition, Duma brings extensive experience across public initiatives, including serving as Vice Chairman of the European Union Working Committee at the China-Europe Association for Technical and Economic Cooperation, as well as holding key roles in various regional commerce associations and industry societies.
He is currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree at Hong Kong Polytechnic University's School of Hotel and Tourism Management, gaining academic rigor to complement his leadership.
Elif Özdemir
CEO & Board Member
Gloria Hotels & Resorts
Elif Özdemir
CEO & Board Member
Gloria Hotels & Resorts
Website
Elif Özdemir was born on 25 June 1990 in Ankara; she completed her primary education at ENKA schools and high school education in the IB (International Baccalaureate) program of the Koç High School. After attending the summer school of Columbia University in the years 2006 and 2007, Elif Özdemir also completed her undergraduate education in Columbia University, New York, graduating with a double major in Psychology and Political Science.
She engaged in a large number of social responsibility activities during her high school years; she was the founding president of the Global Awareness Club in Koç High School between 2006 - 2008, and won the Science Fair Participation Award with “The Biodiesel Story, A Medium Scale Photovoltaic Power Plant” Project, which she prepared within the same year.
Her volunteer work focusing on the protection of social and cultural assets, includes activities for the protection of the Safranbolu Houses as part of the World Cultural Heritage and for human-oriented social projects such as LÖSEV (Foundation for Children with Leukemia). She occasionally takes part in daily charitable food assistance activities organized by her family. Along with taking part on a voluntary basis in rehabilitation activities of elderly and vulnerable people at elderly care institutions during each summer, she contributed to the education of students at Sarıyer Primary School by giving them English courses. She also cooperated with the consulate of Japan to provide satellite phones for earthquake victims after the Tsunami disaster.
In terms of environmental awareness, she successfully implemented green flag projects in the tourism industry, as well as working on projects involving power generation from waste. Having held negotiations with the officials of the Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for the improvement of environment and sustainable tourism, Özdemir continues to pursue efforts in this field.
A member of the Turkish Student Association at Columbia University during her undergraduate years, Elif Özdemir completed her internship in the media industry at CNN Turk. She is continuing her professional career as the vice chairman of Özaltın Holding (responsible board member for mining) and the CEO of Gloria Sports Arena, the first sports hotel of Turkey, owned by the Holding. Now, she is working with the Gloria Sports Arena sports science team and other renowned professionals in the field to create an athletes’ incubation center and an artificial intelligence-based software that can help monitor athletes’ performance, to aid them in achieving their best.
She is also entitled as the Member of the Board of Directors at Turkish National Olympics Committee (TMOK) and the Turkish Archery Federation. She is a member of the Young President Organization (YPO) and the Consultant of the President at World Federation of Consuls. She became a trustee of BIDEV, a foundation that supports education through the game of Basketball and is a member of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Community; a network of young people driving dialogue, action and change.
Ellen Bettridge
CEO, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
The Travel Corporation
Ellen Bettridge
CEO, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
The Travel Corporation
Website
During her tenure with Uniworld, Ellen Bettridge has leveraged her two decades of leadership roles and nearly thirty years of travel expertise to bring forth a new era in the award-winning river cruise company’s history. Appointed President & CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection in 2016, Bettridge has since led a global team of over one thousand to its highest-ever revenue performance, increased Uniworld’s fleet of Super Ships through the launches and transitions of seven ships, including the Mekong Jewel and S.S. Sphinx, and successfully steered the company through the COVID-19 crisis.
Understanding the promise of the brand, in her role as President & CEO, Bettridge progressed Uniworld beyond traditional river cruising with the creation and introduction of Cruise and Rail itineraries, Rivers of the World – a 46-night journey through nine countries, Mystery Cruises and a partnership to bring Uniworld guests to the Peruvian Amazon. Not only has Bettridge diversified Uniworld’s offerings, but she has also created additional revenue streams through the integration of revamped and new itineraries, expanded suite offerings, the Masterpiece Collection and Category +.
Taking a cue from parent company The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) commitment to sustainability, Bettridge has also spearheaded several initiatives in the last few years that have made Uniworld a leader in sustainable travel, including a partnership with food waste management company Leanpath to reduce the brand’s carbon footprint and a goal of reaching Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. In recognition of her outstanding accomplishments, Bettridge was named TTC Executive of the Year and appointed as a member of the TTC Travel Board.
Prior to her role at Uniworld, Bettridge served as Vice President, Sales and Marketing, at Azamara Club Cruises where she was responsible for growing Azamara’s markets in the Americas, as well as for developing strategic relationships with trade and marketing partners. Previously, Bettridge held the position of President, Americas at Silversea Cruise Ltd and various positions at American Express for over twenty years, where she developed unparalleled relationships with the travel trade that she has leveraged throughout her career.
With unbridled optimism and a contagious love of travel, Bettridge resides in West Lake Village, California with her beloved husband and two daughters. She nearly always has a suitcase packed and ready for her next adventure.
Enrique Ybarra
Founder, President & CEO
City Sightseeing Worldwide
Enrique Ybarra
Founder, President & CEO
City Sightseeing Worldwide
Website
Enrique Ybarra is the founder, president and CEO of City Sightseeing Worldwide, the World’s leading open-top bus and boat tour company. Since he turned his entrepreneurial dream into a reality in 1992 when he founded Compañía Hispalense de Tranvías to show visitors around Seville, Ybarra has developed his business model and managed to take the City Sightseeing brand to over 100 cities on five continents. City Sightseeing not only provides double-decker bus tours, boat tours, sightseeing train tours, and guided walking tours, but has become a marketplace for tourist experiences available in the most popular global destinations as it has grown throughout the years.
Eric Resnick
Chief Executive Officer
KSL Capital Partners
Fabio Longo
Chief Investment Officer
Mohari Hospitality
Fabio Longo
Chief Investment Officer
Mohari Hospitality
Website
Fabio Longo leads investment management activities at Mohari. Prior to joining Mohari, Longo served as Head of Bain Capital's Special Situations and Real Estate division in Europe, a $20 billion AuM business that he built after joining the firm in 2013. As part of the senior leadership team, his responsibilities spanned the US, EMEA, and Asia, covering commercial real estate, ABS, illiquid credit, special situations, and principal distressed investing. He previously served as a Principal in Apollo's European Principal Finance Fund, where he played a pivotal role in identifying and executing high-impact investment opportunities. Longo began his career in the Investment Banking group at Goldman Sachs. He holds a Master of Engineering from the University of Cambridge and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Federico J. González
CEO
Radisson Hotel Group
Federico J. González
CEO
Radisson Hotel Group
Website
Federico J. González is the President and CEO of Radisson Hospitality AB (publ). Federico serves as the chairman of the Global Steering Committee of Radisson Hotel Group, made up of equal representation from Radisson Hospitality AB and Radisson Hospitality, Inc. The Global Steering Committee, under Federico’s leadership, provides guidance and strategic counsel to both management teams and boards, fosters a deeper level of collaboration and communication, and ensures alignment on important matters such as partnership and global growth. Federico has extensive global executive leadership experience in the hospitality, leisure and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sectors. Prior to joining Radisson Hospitality AB, he was Chief Executive Officer of NH Hotel Group – where he led a major turnaround of the company – and as Deputy General Manager of Disneyland Paris. He previously spent 16 years in senior management positions at Procter & Gamble in Brussels, Madrid and Stockholm before becoming the company’s Country Head of Portugal in 2000. A respected marketer and hotelier, Federico has written three books: Living and Working Abroad; How to Live and Work with Portuguese; and How to succeed in doing business the Swedish way. As a global leader, Federico’s personal mission is to motivate and energize large organizations to be more ambitious – in profitability, purpose and people – through respect for diversity of thoughts, culture, gender, experience and beliefs. Federico majored in Economics at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and received a Masters of International Trade and Finance from the École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French.
Haimin Wang
Chairman
China Tourism Group
Haimin Wang
Chairman
China Tourism Group
Website
Appointed Chairman of China Tourism Group Co., Ltd. [China Travel Service (Holdings)Hong Kong Ltd.] in June 2024. Former Director & President of China Tourism Group Co., Ltd. [China Travel Service (Holdings)Hong Kong Ltd.].
Mr Wang holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation Economics from Shanghai Maritime University, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Fudan University.
Isao Takashiro
Chairman & CEO
Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd.
Isao Takashiro
Chairman & CEO
Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd.
Website
Isao Takashiro is Chairman and CEO of Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd.
Mr. Takashiro served as Representative Director and President from 2005 to 2016.
He served as Representative Director and Executive Vice President from 2003 to 2005, and he served as Representative Senior Managing Director from 2001 to 2003.
Mr. Takashiro joined Japan Airport Terminal Co., Ltd. in 1968. Mr. Takashiro graduated from the Faculty of Economics, Aoyama Gakuin University.
鷹城勲は日本空港ビルデング株式会社の代表取締役会長兼CEOです。鷹城氏は、2009年から2016年まで代表取締役社長執行役員を務め、2005年から2009年まで代表取締役社長を勤め、2003年から2005年まで代表取締役副社長を務め、2001年から2003年まで専務取締役を務めました。鷹城氏は、1968年に日本空港ビルデング株式会社に入社。鷹城氏は、青山学院大学経済学部を卒業しました。
J.D. O'Hara
CEO
Internova Travel Group
J.D. O'Hara
CEO
Internova Travel Group
Website
J.D. O’Hara serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Internova Travel Group, one of the world’s largest privately-held travel services companies providing unrivaled expertise in all facets of leisure, corporate and entertainment travel. With more than 4,000 employees, Internova Travel Group (formerly Travel Leaders Group) is comprised of over 6,000 travel agency locations with over 65,000 travel advisors in more than 80 countries. Mr. O’Hara became CEO of the company in January 2020 after having served as President. Mr. O’Hara’s core tenets for Internova Travel Group’s success is to provide impeccable service to its travelers, the highest quality support and tools to its travel advisors, and unsurpassed value to its preferred supplier partners. In May 2020, Mr. O’Hara announced a major reorganization of the company by aligning its premium brands into several divisions, including ALTOUR, Travel Leaders Group, Protravel International/Tzell Travel and Bonotel Exclusive Travel. The reorganization is aimed at enhancing service and support for its advisors and agencies, increasing value for clients and providing suppliers with greater distribution and marketing opportunities. Prior to rejoining the company as President in 2018, Mr. O’Hara was Senior Partner at Certares Management, LLC., Internova’s majority owner. Mr. O’Hara also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Internova Travel Group. Mr. O’Hara has played a key role in the growth and evolution of the company since its inception in 2008. He was part of the original management buyout of Carlson Leisure Group from Carlson Companies in January 2008 that eventually led to the formation of Travel Leaders Group. The company most recently ranked 7th among Travel Weekly’s 2019 Power List of the largest travel agencies and ranked 6th among the top travel management companies by Business Travel Europe. In his various operating roles within the company and as a member of the Board of Directors, Mr. O’Hara has always had direct oversight of Internova’s vast investment activity, including the mergers and acquisitions of Tzell Travel Group, Nexion Travel Group, vacation.com, Protravel International, Andrew Harper Travel and ALTOUR, among many more. As the company sought to expand beyond its core U.S. footprint, Mr. O’Hara led Internova’s international growth strategy with the acquisitions of Mexico-based Corporate Travel Services, and UK-based agencies Colletts Travel and Barrhead Travel, as well as meeting and event services company Your Event Solutions (YES). Prior to joining Internova, Mr. O’Hara worked in the investment banking industry in New York. He received a Master of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Waterloo (Canada).
Jaclyn Leibl-Cote
President & CEO
Collette
Jaclyn Leibl-Cote
President & CEO
Collette
Website
Jaclyn Leibl-Cote is Collette’s President and Chief Executive Officer, only the fourth CEO to head the 108-year-old company and its first female CEO. She leads Collette’s Executive and Strategic Leadership Teams, driving both the global company’s strategic direction and its day-to-day operations with a laser focus on fulfilling the company’s mission of enhancing life’s journey by creating extraordinary travel experiences.
Driven by the company values of Be Happy, Be Trailblazers, Be Responsible and Be the Legacy, Jaclyn, previously the President and Chief Customer Experience Officer, builds collaborative and innovative teams that constantly curate the best travel experiences with the customer in mind. From product evolution to brand positioning to tour delivery to our industry leading travel protection policy, she works tirelessly to ensure that Collette provides the best possible experience it can to our travelers, our employees, our partners and to the communities in which we live, work and travel. Jaclyn's leadership successfully steered the company through a global pandemic, with Collette emerging stronger and more dynamic than ever before.
A 20-year veteran of Collette, Jaclyn has held leadership positions or filled roles in varied departments such as tour management, product design, call center, customer experience, people and culture, information technology, and marketing. With her deep understanding of every team and how they contribute to the company’s collective goals, she is continually evolving the company to meet the modern traveler’s ever-changing expectations.
Jaclyn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Rhode Island and an MBA from Babson College. An avid supporter of women’s health initiatives, she serves on the Executive Leadership Team for the American Heart Association of Southern New England.
Jeff Willner
Founder & CEO
Range
Jeff Willner
Founder & CEO
Range
Website
Jeff Willner is the Founder and CEO of Range which includes Kensington, Travel Edge, Ensemble and TripArc. Range collectively transacts over $4.5 billion of travel in the US, Canada, and Bermuda.
Previously, Mr. Willner worked at McKinsey & Co, a management consulting company. Prior to that he co-founded ObjectArts, a Microsoft technical training company.
Jeff developed a love for travel while growing up in Africa and driving his Land Rover Defender around the world. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society and the Explorer’s Club.
Mr. Willner holds an MBA in Finance from Wharton and was the recipient of the Lauder medal for his public policy work on developing countries. He is the Chairman of the Board of Governors the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Canada’s largest museum.
Keith Vincent
CEO
Wilderness
Keith Vincent
CEO
Wilderness
Website
Keith has been committed to the Wilderness Group for over 20 years, playing an instrumental role in creating a strong company culture, centred on making a positive impact to conservation and community empowerment. He was appointed CEO for Wilderness in July 2013.
Growing up in Zimbabwe, Keith knew at the age of nine that he wanted to contribute to the conservation of his country’s wildlife, and the protection of its wilderness areas. He developed a love for the outdoors and natural history of the country, becoming a professional guide in 1980. He then worked throughout Zimbabwe for various safari companies before settling in Victoria Falls in 1984. Keith began working for Wilderness in 1993 and has never looked back.
After six years as Wilderness’ Chief Operations Officer, Keith was appointed CEO for Wilderness in July 2013. In order to initiate the next level of growth within the business, and in order for the Group to achieve this next phase of development, he moved to a more focused role as CEO for the Wilderness Group in November 2018.
Keith is extremely proud of the remarkable people who have grown the company to where it is today, and looks forward to ensuring that the Wilderness Group continues to make a difference, building further sustainable conservation economies in Africa, and beyond.
His main goal for the business is to make sure that its unique, financially viable model of non-consumptive ecotourism land-use continues to generate benefits for the people and wildlife in the areas in which it operates, and those in which Wilderness might be present in the future.
Larry Cuculic
CEO & President
BWH Hotel Group
Larry Cuculic
CEO & President
BWH Hotel Group
Website
Larry Cuculic is President & CEO of BWH Hotel Group®, which is comprised of Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, SureStay Hotel Group®, and WorldHotels™ Collection. He oversees the company’s global portfolio of 19 dynamic brands, which boasts approximately 4,500 hotels across all chain scale segments. He continues to drive the organization’s impressive financial success – with RevPAR reaching a historic high of $74.54 in 2022 – and achieving industry-leading guest loyalty and hotel satisfaction.
Cuculic’s vision is to lead through collaboration with the company’s Board of Directors, hoteliers, executive leadership, and associates. He recognizes the greatest strength of this global powerhouse brand is its organizational structure, which is founded on empowering the voice of its members. Through this thoughtful, deliberate, collaborative approach, Cuculic is focused on driving the development and execution of BWH Hotel Group’s vision, mission, strategic initiatives, policies, and programs.
Cuculic is an active member of hospitality associations and currently sits on the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AHLA) Executive Committee. Under Cuculic’s leadership, BWH Hotel Group will continue to be actively involved in supporting and participating in global industry associations and events. He has made a commitment to build on the company’s strong relationships with partners such as AHLA, the U.S. Travel Association, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association, and the Global Business Travel Association, among others.
Since 2009 Cuculic has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary for the company. In this role Cuculic was responsible for all legal and governance matters, including serving as counsel for the Board of Directors. Cuculic was also responsible for leading the company’s Human Resources team and the brand’s Call Center.
Before joining BWH Hotel Group, Cuculic was Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary for Lafayette, Ind.-based Wabash National Corporation (NYSE: WNC). Previously, Cuculic served as Vice President Legal and Corporate Secretary for American Commercial Lines, Inc. in Jeffersonville, Ind., and was a partner in the law firm Gambs, Mucker & Bauman. Before retiring from the U.S. Army and being awarded the Legion of Merit, Cuculic served as a Judge Advocate General’s Corps officer in various legal positions, including appointment as a military judge. His military awards also include three Meritorious Service Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Parachutist Badge.
Cuculic received his B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and his J.D. from Notre Dame Law School. He also earned an LL.M. degree from the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's School in Charlottesville, Va., and graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. Cuculic is licensed to practice law in the Supreme Court of the United States of America and the Supreme Court of the State of Indiana.
Lars Clasen
Chief Executive Officer
Cruise Saudi
Lars Clasen
Chief Executive Officer
Cruise Saudi
Website
Lars Clasen is a highly experienced global expert with a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in the cruise and shipping industries across Asia, Europe, and North America. In 2022, he assumed the role of CEO at Cruise Saudi with the responsibility of steering Saudi Arabia's burgeoning cruise industry and showcasing the country as a premier destination for cruise vacations.
Prior to his tenure at Cruise Saudi, Clasen held esteemed senior positions, including serving as the Managing Director at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Co-Founder and CEO of A-ROSA river cruises, and Co-Founder and President of AIDA Cruises.
His extensive experience plays a pivotal role in contributing to the realization of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Under his stewardship, Cruise Saudi has achieved notable milestones such as establishing three ports along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, hosting approximately 500,000 cruise passengers, and introducing the pioneering Saudi cruise line, AROYA Cruises, to embark on its inaugural voyage in December 2024.
In recognition, Clasen has received prestigious accolades including the 'Best Travel and Tourism Infrastructure Development Company CEO' at the MEA Middle East CEO of the Year Awards 2023 and 'Executive of the Year – Tourism' at the Middle East Management Excellence Awards 2023.
Laurent Gardinier
President
Relais & Châteaux
Liming CHEN
Vice Chairman
Shanghai Jinjiang International Hotels Group
Liming CHEN
Vice Chairman
Shanghai Jinjiang International Hotels Group
Website
Mr. CHEN Liming is a graduate of Chinese Linguistics & Literature from Fudan University and was awarded with the degree of MBA by Hong Kong University. As a Chinese veteran hotelier, CHEN has rich experience of working at local and international hotels in Shanghai including East Asia Hotel, Renaissance Yangtze Shanghai Hotel and Sofitel Shanghai Hyland Hotel. His 5-year working experience in the Netherlands has enriched him with international vision. He joined Jin Jiang International (Holdings) Co. Ltd. at its inception in 2003. CHEN is the Vice President of the Jin Jiang International (Holdings) Co. Ltd. and Vice Chairman of JinJiang International Hotels (Group) Co. Ltd.
Luis Maroto
President & CEO
Amadeus IT Group S.A.
Luis Maroto
President & CEO
Amadeus IT Group S.A.
Website
Luis became President and CEO of Amadeus on 1 January 2011. From January 2009 to December 2010, Luis was Deputy CEO of Amadeus, with responsibility for overall company strategy as well as line management of the finance, internal audit, legal, and human resources functions. He has also been instrumental in Amadeus’ return to the stock market with the company’s successful IPO in April 2010. Luis joined Amadeus in 1999 as Director, Marketing Finance. In that role, he was instrumental in supporting Amadeus’ commercial organisation throughout its international expansion and consolidation, supervising the strategic and financial control of over 50 Amadeus subsidiaries around the world. He was promoted in 2003 to Chief Financial Officer (CFO), taking responsibility for the global Amadeus Finance organisation. Prior to joining Amadeus, Luis held several managerial positions at the Bertelsmann Group. A Spanish citizen, Luis holds a degree in Law from the Complutense University, Madrid, an MBA from the IESE Business School, and further postgraduate qualifications from Harvard Business School and Stanford.
Massimo Caputi
CEO
Terme & Spa Italia
Massimo Caputi
CEO
Terme & Spa Italia
Website
Massimo Caputi is an Italian engineer, manager, and entrepreneur known for his significant contributions to the fields of real estate finance, tourism, balneology, and medical SPA management.
Massimo Caputi is the President of Federterme – Confindustria, the leading Italian organization representing over 300 thermal and spa companies. His role involves advocating for wellness tourism and working with institutions to implement regulations that protect sector interests. Under his leadership, Federterme established the Foundation for Thermal Scientific Research (FoRST), promoting research in balneology.
He owns and presides over Terme e Spa Italia, a group founded in 2021 that unites some of Italy's most important thermal and spa sites, including Terme di Saturnia, a world-renowned icon of hospitality and well-being. The group focuses on developing innovative well-being services and experiences that combine leisure with personal care, responding to the evolving wellness market.
Massimo Caputi's career demonstrates his dedication to advancing Italy's real estate and tourism sectors, with a particular focus on innovative projects in balneology and medical SPA. His leadership in various high-profile organizations highlights his influence and commitment to promoting wellness and economic growth in Italy.
Matt Goldberg
President & CEO
TripAdvisor
Matt Goldberg
President & CEO
TripAdvisor
Website
Matt Goldberg is CEO and President of Tripadvisor, Inc., the largest travel guidance platform in
the world. Matt has more than 20 years’ leadership experience across a diversity of sectors,
including travel, media, e-commerce, and digital where he’s helped drive innovation and
expansion of the businesses he’s served.
Prior to Tripadvisor, Matt served as an executive vice president for global operations at The
Trade Desk , a global advertising technology company, based in New York City. Prior to joining
The Trade Desk, he was the global head of mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances for
News Corp. , where he also led the online publishing, digital real estate, and data businesses in
India.
Matt has also served as senior vice president and head of corporate development at Liberty
Interactive/QVC Group (now the Qurate Retail Group ), with a focus on content and commerce
across TV, digital, video, and emerging markets. He has also held several executive operating
roles, including CEO at Lonely Planet and senior vice president for digital strategy and
operations at Wall Street Digital Network.
Matt began his career in public service, and has spent decades supporting, advising and
helping to lead numerous community and not-for-profit organizations. While at The Trade Desk,
he was a founding director of Dataphilanthropy, a foundation dedicated to the mission that
passionate, yet data-driven, rational philanthropy is the most effective way to deploy capital
against humanity's toughest problems. He currently serves on the not-for-profit boards of the
Burning Man Project in San Francisco, California, and Lumina Foundation in Indianapolis,
Indiana, an organization that works in partnership with education and business leaders, civil
rights organizations, policymakers, and individuals who want to reimagine how and where
learning occurs.
Matt serves as the chairman of board for Lingoda GmbH in Berlin, Germany, and as a board
member of Blue Ocean Acquisition Corporation in Chevy Chase, Maryland. He also serves as
an advisor to Team Snap in Boulder, Colorado and is a founding partner and advisor to
Anthropocene Ventures in San Francisco, California.
Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Cornell University, a master’s in international
relations from the University of Melbourne in Australia, and a master’s in business
administration from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.
His favorite place to travel is Australia, a country where he also lived for 6 years.
Michael McMurray
Commissioner
Chicago Department of Aviation
Michael McMurray
Commissioner
Chicago Department of Aviation
Website
Michael McMurray serves as Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), one of the world’s largest aviation systems, serving more than 100 million passengers per year. Appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson in 2025, Commissioner McMurray brings more than 25 years of experience, with a with a career-long focus on delivering complex infrastructure projects, expanding economic opportunity, and strengthening the systems that connect communities.
McMurray is an active community member engaging in several civil and charitable organizations, including the Lawndale Christian Development Corporation as a member of the Board of Directors, Chicago Entrepreneurial Center (1871), the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Adler Planetarium. His civic affiliations also include the Economic Club of Chicago and Commercial Club of Chicago, the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois, and the American Association of Airport Executives.
A native of Chicago’s South Side, McMurray earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School.
Muzzammil Ahussain
CEO
Almosafer (Part of Seera Group)
Muzzammil Ahussain
CEO
Almosafer (Part of Seera Group)
Website
Muzzammil is spearheading the growth and development of Almosafer, which encompasses all of Seera's travel businesses under its umbrella. An internationally-recognized management consultant and operations executive, Muzzammil leverages his vast experience in scaling and optimizing operations to enable sustainable growth and cater to the MENA region’s evolving travel needs through seamless, technology-driven omni-channel experiences.
Phil Washington
CEO
Denver International Airport
Phil Washington
CEO
Denver International Airport
Website
Phillip A. Washington was nominated by Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock and unanimously confirmed by the Denver City Council as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Denver International Airport (DEN) in July of 2021. In 2020, DEN was the country’s 3rd busiest airport and the world’s 7th busiest airport by passenger traffic. DEN generates $33.5 billion in annual regional economic impact, has over 30,000 badged employees with 24 air carriers and a total of 170 concession locations. Prior to Washington’s arrival at DEN, he was the CEO of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) from 2015 to 2021. At Metro, Washington managed a balanced budget of more than $8 billion and provided oversight of an agency with 11,000 employees that transported 1.2 million boarding passengers daily on a fleet of 2,200 clean-air buses and six rail lines. Washington also served as the CEO of Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) between 2009 and 2015 and worked as the assistant general manager of RTD for nearly 10 years before being named CEO. In Denver, he led and implemented the FasTracks program, one of the largest voter-approved transportation expansion programs in the country. Originally from the South Side of Chicago, Washington is a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Army, where he held the rank of Command Sergeant Major, the highest non-commissioned officer rank an enlisted soldier can achieve. He retired from active duty, is a disabled veteran and was awarded the prestigious Defense Superior Service Medal for exceptional service to his country. He holds a B.A. in Business from Columbia College, an M.A. in Management from Webster University.
Puneet Chhatwal
Chief Executive Officer
Indian Hotels Company
Puneet Chhatwal
Chief Executive Officer
Indian Hotels Company
Website
On the 6th of November, 2017, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal joined IHCL as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. He is a global professional with over three decades of leadership experience at highlyacclaimed hotel groups in Europe and North America. Prior to this, Mr. Chhatwal was the Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Executive Board of Steigenberger Hotels AG – Deutsche Hospitality. He was also the Chief Development Officer of The Rezidor Hotel Group – Carlson Hotels Worldwide. Mr. Chhatwal is a graduate of both Delhi University and Institute of Hotel Management, Delhi. He has completed an MBA in Hospitality from ESSEC, Paris and an Advanced Management Program from INSEAD. Mr. Chhatwal has won awards including the prestigious Carlson Fellowship and was rated as one of Europe’s 20 extraordinary minds in Sales, Marketing and Technology - HSMAI European Awards 2014. He was also the First Alumni included in the ESSEC-IMHI Hall of Honor 2014.
Shinichi Inoue
CEO
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Simón Pedro Barceló
Executive Chairman
Barcelo Hotel Group
Simón Pedro Barceló
Executive Chairman
Barcelo Hotel Group
Website
Simón P. Barceló was born in Palma de Mallorca in 1966. He holds a Law degree from the
Universidad de las Islas Baleares.
After serving in politics as a Senator representing Mallorca in 1989, he joined the Barceló Grup in 1993,
taking on the role of Vice President of the Travel and Diversification Divisions. Subsequently, and until
2000, he served as Vice Chairman of Barceló Empresas for Europe and the United States.
Since 2000, he has served as Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Barceló Corporación Empresarial, a
company that celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2021. Under his shared leadership with Simón Barceló Tous
and the executive management team, the group has maintained its family-run character and consolidated its
position as one of the top 30 hotel chains worldwide. He has also served as Chairman of the Instituto de la
Empresa Familiar (2008–2010) and of the Agrupación de Cadenas Hoteleras de Baleares (2014–2018).
Simón Pedro Barceló is married and has three children.
Takashi Goto
Chairman and CEO
Seibu Holdings Inc.
Takashi Goto
Chairman and CEO
Seibu Holdings Inc.
Website
Mr. Goto joined Dai-ichi Kangyo Bank (currently Mizuho Financial Group, Inc.) in 1972. He was appointed as Managing Officer of both Mizuho Financial Group and Mizuho Holdings in 2000. Then he was named Vice President and Director of Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd in 2004. In 2005, he joined Seibu Railway Co., Ltd. as President and Representative Director. He is presently Director and Chairman of Seibu Railway, Director of Prince Hotels, and President and CEO of Seibu Holdings Inc.
Ted J Balestreri
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Cannery Row Company
Ted J Balestreri
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Cannery Row Company
Website
Originally from Brooklyn, Ted Balestreri moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 1957, and over the next 50 years became a national figure in the restaurant and tourism industries. Ted is founding CEO and Chairman of the Cannery Row Company, Sardine Factory Restaurant, and Inns of Monterey – overseeing enterprises that attract more than six million visitors each year. Ted has been a Board Member of the National Restaurant Association for more than 40 years, serving as President from 1985 to 1986. He served as the longest-ever seated Commissioner of the California Travel and Tourism Commission, from 1985 to 2007, and in 1995 was also appointed California delegate to the White House Conference on Travel and Tourism. Ted’s leadership and commitment to tourism has been recognised by the Travel Industry Association of America and the California Tourism Hall of Fame. In 2016 he was appointed to the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, under the Department of Commerce. His awards and achievements are extensive and include the prestigious IFMA Gold Plate Award and the National Restaurant Association’s Legends Award, as well as various humanitarian awards including honours from the Boy Scouts of America and the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations.
Valentin Zlatev
Chairman of the Board
Terra Way Investment Group JSC
Valentin Zlatev
Chairman of the Board
Terra Way Investment Group JSC
Website
Born in 1965, Valentin Vassilev Zlatev founded the first company of the group in 1990. He is the sole shareholder of the conglomerate with diversified investments in different sectors of the economy.
The entrepreneurial skills of Mr. Zlatev earned him international recognition as he was awarded a Doctor Honoris Causa by the prestigious City University of Seattle, Washington, in 2003.
He was the General Manager of the Russian company Quarum before moving to Rosneft Oil Company in Moscow as Vice-President from 1994 to 1998. Afterwards, from 1998 to 2020, he held a number of senior leadership roles in Lukoil, including Regional Manager for the Balkans and Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Between 2014 and 2019 he was elected Chairman of the Bulgarian Petroleum and Gas Association. Since 2020, he has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy Supply LTD, where he is also a shareholder.
He holds a Master’s degree in International Law from the Moscow State University of International Relations and a Ph.D. in Comparative Politics from the Russian Academy of Science.
Vikram Oberoi
Managing Director and CEO
The Oberoi Group
Vikram Oberoi
Managing Director and CEO
The Oberoi Group
Website
Mr. Oberoi has held various positions within The Oberoi Group during the past 25 years. He was actively involved in re-engineering the systems and processes of the company, working closely with McKinsey & Company during the mid 1990s. In 1997, as General Manager of The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur, Mr. Oberoi set new standards of excellence in personalised service. He led a young and committed team, winning international accolades and recognition for The Oberoi Group. Mr. Vikram Oberoi is presently involved in the management and operations of Oberoi Hotels & Resorts and Trident Hotels in India.
Yuji Akasaka
Director, Chairperson
Japan Airlines
Yuji Akasaka
Director, Chairperson
Japan Airlines
Website
Mr. Yuji Akasaka serves as President at Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. since April 01, 2018. Akasaka joined JAL in 1987. His previous titles include Executive Officer, Managing Executive Officer and Chief Director of Maintenance in the Company. He was engaged mainly in Engineering & Maintenance Division, and acquired on-the-job experience and insight related to safe operations, etc. at an extremely high level as well as significant knowledge and extensive connections in the airline engineering & maintenance industry. He has strengthened the foundation for safe operations, exercising strong leadership and decision-making skills, as Representative Director, President of JAL ENGINEERING CO., LTD., since 2014. For all of these reasons, he is believed to be the right person for the Company to achieve the continued enhancement of corporate value, so the Company hereby proposes that you elect him as Representative Director. Mr. Akasaka Graduated from University of Tokyo in 1987 in Master of Aeronauteics
Yuji Fukasawa
Chairman (Director)
East Japan Railway Company
Yuji Fukasawa
Chairman (Director)
East Japan Railway Company
Website
Business Career
Apr. 1978 Entered Japanese National Railways
Apr. 1987 Entered the Company
Jun. 2003 General Manager of Investment Planning Department,
Corporate Planning Headquarters
Jun. 2006 Director and General Manager of Personnel Department and
Director of JR East General Education Center
Jun. 2008 Executive Director
Jun. 2012 Executive Vice President and Representative Director
Jun. 2016 Executive Vice President and Representative Director
Assistant to President; In charge of Indian High-Speed Railway
Apr. 2018 President and CEO
Apr. 2024 Chairman (Director)
(continuing to the present)
Yvette Burke
Vice President, Global Sales
Enterprise Mobility
Yvette Burke
Vice President, Global Sales
Enterprise Mobility
Website
Yvette Burke is Vice President of Global Replacement and Leisure Sales for Enterprise Mobility. In this position, Burke is responsible for identifying growth opportunities and new initiatives in the off-airport market globally. Additionally, Burke helps oversee operation strategies for the travel industry.
Burke began her career with Enterprise in 1995 as a Management Trainee in San Diego, shortly after returning to the states from graduate school in Paris. Over the next 11 years, she was promoted through the ranks from San Diego to Regional Vice President of the Southern California regional subsidiary. In that role, she was responsible for the day-to-day operations of more than 57 operating branches and 357 employees.
In 2009, Burke raised her hand for an exciting opportunity as Director of Sales for the Hotel and Leisure division in Southern California. She spent the next three years leading the strategy and innovation in this space. In 2013, Burke moved back to her hometown of Houston, Texas, where, as Regional Sales Manager for Insurance Replacement, Burke oversaw relationships and strategies with collision, dealership, and insurance partners.
In 2015, Burke was promoted to Assistant Vice President at the company’s St. Louis headquarters and earned a promotion to Vice President in 2019. Burke was promoted to her current position in 2023.
Industry Partner
Andrea Alori
Partner
Bain & Company
Andrea Alori
Partner
Bain & Company
Website
Andrea is a member of Bain's Aviation and Transportation practices, with 15 years' experience in management consulting and he is based in Rome office. Throughout his career at Bain, Andrea has gained deep expertise especially in the Travel & Leisure sector, working for cruise lines, airlines, airports, tour operators, travel infrastructure management operators as well as other companies active in the broader transportation and tourism ecosystem. Andrea has advised leading global gaming operators, technology providers and private equity funds on topics related to the gaming industry at global level across all sectors. Functional expertise ranges from corporate and business unit strategy, to marketing and customer excellence, performance improvement. He holds both bachelor's and master's degree, cum laude, in management engineering from Università La Sapienza di Roma
Anna Kofoed
Chief Officer for Travel & Member of the Allianz Partners Board of Management
Allianz Partners
Anna Kofoed
Chief Officer for Travel & Member of the Allianz Partners Board of Management
Allianz Partners
Website
Anna Kofoed is the Chief Officer of Travel, and a member of the Board of Management of Allianz Partners, where she leads the strategy and delivery of the global line of travel protection products and services. With over 25 years of experience in the travel industry, Anna has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. Her expertise in developing strategic partnerships and her commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences drive Allianz Partners as a leader in travel protection solutions worldwide.
Anna is passionate about providing travelers with peace of mind at every step of their journey. Allianz delivers this through innovative digital ease, integrated with our ‘human touch’ in times of need, for travelers in more than 75 countries. Allianz’ award winning teams provide extraordinary emergency help, 24/7.
Anna joined Allianz Partners from Amadeus, a prominent global travel technology company and distribution platform. With Amadeus since 2001, she held multiple global leadership positions across various functions, including marketing, sales, strategy and business planning.
Anna holds an International MBA from Copenhagen Business School in her native Denmark and graduated from Harvard's Advanced Management Program (AMP). She is fluent in multiple languages and resides in Madrid, Spain.
Daniel Fenton
Executive Vice President and Global Tourism Director
JLL
Douglas Feagin
President
Ant International
Douglas Feagin
President
Ant International
Website
Douglas joined Ant Group in 2016 to spearhead the company's globalization strategy. Today, as President of Ant International, Douglas spearheads the company’s strategy and expansion efforts, and promotes digital capabilities for sustainable growth. Through strategic collaboration and partnerships with local fintech players, Ant International contributes to the advancement of mobile wallet platforms and nurturing of payment ecosystems to enable more MSMEs to tap into digitalization. He also engages Ant International's public and private sector partners across areas such as cross-border payments, sustainability security, and emerging technologies like digital assets.
Douglas contributes to the tech and business evolution in emerging markets, through his board-level positions that span a range of global fintech enterprises, across emerging markets in Asia and South America: from advising strategic growth at bKash in Bangladesh, DANA in Indonesia, and GCash in the Philippines to steering financial inclusivity initiatives at TrueMoney in Thailand and Telenor Microfinance Bank in Pakistan. He also contributes his expertise to the financial landscape in Malaysia through his board role at TnG Digital, as well as in Brazil with Dotz. His leadership has been pivotal in building close collaboration between Ant International and the partners across diverse regulatory environments and market dynamics.
Prior to joining Ant Group, Douglas worked at Goldman Sachs for 22 years, serving as a Managing Director from 2004 through 2016. In Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs, he led the Financial Institutions Group in Asia Ex-Japan and then in the Americas (U.S. and Latin America). He graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics in June 1988, and he received an MBA from Harvard Business School in June 1994."
Ekaterina Petelina
SVP, Head of Global Cross-Border and Global Sales & Commercial Operations
Visa Inc
Ekaterina Petelina
SVP, Head of Global Cross-Border and Global Sales & Commercial Operations
Visa Inc
Website
Ekaterina (Katya) Petelina is Head of Cross-Border and Global Sales and Commercial Operations for Visa Inc. In this role, she is responsible for redefining the operating model and growing Visa’s global consumer cross-border business and driving Visa’s transformation to become a best-in-class B2B sales organization. Katya joined Visa in 2016 as Group Country Manager for Russia, where she grew the Russia business to be one of Visa’s top five global markets, prior to leading North America and New Flows Business Operations.
Previously, Katya was a banking executive with more than 15 years of experience at Russian and multinational companies. She joined Visa from VTB24, the second largest issuer in Russia, where she was Deputy CEO, and Head of VTB24’s Retail Business. Prior to that, she was Head of Strategy and Management Board Member of VTB Group. Before joining VTB, Katya worked for McKinsey & Company primarily for the financial industry.
Katya earned her MBA from Emory University after graduating with honors from Nizhny Novgorod State University.
Jesko Neuenburg
Managing Director Aviation & Sustainability
Accenture
Jesko Neuenburg
Managing Director Aviation & Sustainability
Accenture
Website
Jesko is a Managing Director in Accenture’s Travel Practice based in Frankfurt. He joined Accenture in 2017 through its acquisition of Seabury Consulting, an aviation consulting firm. Jesko supports airlines, airports, MROs, OEMs, fuel suppliers, hospitality companies and other travel & aviation stakeholders in activities including sustainability, strategy, commercial and operational excellence, data and analytics, enterprise reinvention and M&A.
Jesko leads Accenture’s Sustainable Travel & Aviation Centre of Excellence. The CoE supports clients in understanding and minimizing carbon emissions from travel and has developed modeling and simulation tools for predicting and analyzing aircraft emissions. It also advises regarding net zero strategy, renewable energy, SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) and offsetting / carbon removal partnerships and shapes the global dialogue around decarbonizing travel, tourism and aviation through thought leadership and work with industry stakeholders, industry associations and NGOs.
Jesko holds an MBA from Leipzig Graduate School of Management (HHL) and a Doctorate from RWTH Aachen. He started his career at Bain & Company working with automotive, telecom, industrial and private equity clients.
Julie Shainock
Global Managing Director - Travel, Transport & Hospitality Industry
Microsoft Corporation
Julie Shainock
Global Managing Director - Travel, Transport & Hospitality Industry
Microsoft Corporation
Website
Julie Shainock is Managing Director - Travel, Transport, Logistics & Hospitality (TTLH) and responsible for developing Microsoft's point of view and future strategy for our WW Travel and Transport Industry. She is focused on leading the airlines, hospitality companies, cruise and freight logistics and rail companies to driving innovation that will enhance the customer and employee journey, while driving increased productivity and cost reduction with the use of Microsoft's technology and its ecosystem of TTH solution partners. Julie was previously with IBM where she had a successful twenty-five plus year career managing and leading the Travel and Transportation Industry. She is results-driven Global Business Development Executive that is focused on delivering new technology solutions and increasing market share for her clients and her company. She has managed and engaged as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in multi-million dollar engagements in the travel and transportation industry. The breadth and depth of Julie's experience has been focused on integrating services with software solutions and working with partners. Her deep industry relationships with clients, partners, professional associations and working groups has helped in shaping successful and comprehensive strategies and solutions that have resonated with our leading T&T clients. Ms Shainock has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) from the University of Texas at Austin. She currently lives in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL with her husband - Scott and three daughters.
Katie Briscoe
CEO
MMGY Global
Katie Briscoe
CEO
MMGY Global
Website
Katie Briscoe is CEO of MMGY Global where she leads international strategy and agency operations across five continents and hundreds of travel clients while shaping policy for over 600 team members in 11 global offices. She also leads an international management team as well as directing mergers and acquisitions. Katie’s leadership experience includes Club Med, Namibia Tourism, SIXT Rental Car, Travel Michigan and Wyndham Hotel Group. She sits on the board of the U.S. Travel Association and is a member of the World Travel & Tourism Council. Katie has been appointed to the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Board and was the recipient of HSMAI’s 2017 Chair’s Leadership Award. Katie was selected as the 2021 recipient of CBIZ’s Women Transforming Business Award, recognizing her as one of the country’s visionaries and transformative female leaders. In 2022 she was named to the select group of “Women Who Mean Business” by the Kansas City Business Journal. Katie is a speaker at travel conferences, including Destinations International and the IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Conference. She has been featured by The New York Times, Shape Magazine, AFAR and Skift and contributes to global travel industry think tanks including the Women In Travel Symposium (WITS) and The Travel Outlook Forum.
Laura Sileo Pavat
Global Brand Homes Director
Pernod Ricard SA
Laura Sileo Pavat
Global Brand Homes Director
Pernod Ricard SA
Website
Laura Sileo is a leading voice in experiential travel and hospitality. As Global Brand Homes Director at Pernod Ricard, she drives the vision behind 30+ premium destinations across 18 countries, redefining how audiences connect with iconic brands like Champagne Perrier-Jouët, Jameson, and Martell.
Her leadership has transformed Brand Homes from traditional tours into immersive experiences blending cultural storytelling and world-class hospitality. By guiding global teams and forging strategic partnerships, Laura has expanded Pernod Ricard’s reach beyond spirits, building the industry’s most comprehensive network of branded destinations.
A frequent speaker at executive forums, she shares insights on experiential tourism, destination storytelling, and the future of branded experiences. Authentic, bold, and passionately Italian, Laura is committed to creating meaningful, culturally rooted experiences - those that honor heritage while embracing the future of travel.
Masaki Yokawa
President & CEO
JCB International Co., Ltd.
Masaki Yokawa
President & CEO
JCB International Co., Ltd.
Website
Masaki Yokawa, President and CEO of JCB International CO., LTD., has dedicated nearly three decades to advancing JCB’s international payments business.
Throughout his 30-year tenure, he has played a pivotal role in the company’s global expansion, holding senior positions across multiple regions.
In 2018, he was appointed head of the Brand Business Department, where he led key strategic initiatives both in Japan and internationally.
In 2024, Masaki returned to JCB’s international headquarters to lead Strategic Planning, focusing on expanding card issuance and merchant acceptance worldwide.
Since June 2025, he has been serving as President and CEO of JCB International CO., LTD.
Member to be Announced
Banreservas
Member to be Announced
Bloomberg Media
Mike Matheis
Global Industry Association, Civic & Economic Organisation Lead
Oliver Wyman
Mike Matheis
Global Industry Association, Civic & Economic Organisation Lead
Oliver Wyman
Website
Mike is Oliver Wyman’s Global Industry Association, Civic, and Economic Organization Lead, directing Board strategy and C-Suite forums across approximately 20+ organizations around the world. Mike’s 35 years of cross-industry expertise is grounded in 13+ years at Procter & Gamble, Global Marketing Practice Leadership and Global Growth & Innovation Practice Leadership at Accenture, North American CPG and Retail Practice Leadership at A.T. Kearney, and his published thought leadership.
Nicolas Mayer
Global Industry Leader - Tourism
PWC
Nicolas Mayer
Global Industry Leader - Tourism
PWC
Website
Nicolas is PwC’s global industry leader for the tourism industry and the Managing Partner of PwC’s Global Center of Tourism Excellence, which has recently moved from Switzerland to the Middle East. Nic has advised over 50 government entities entrusted with enabling tourism in their jurisdictions in areas of strategy, visitor experience and tourism education. . Additionally, he has advised the 5 largest global hotel operators on matters of operational effectiveness, standardization of brand delivery and operating standards. He currently services over 60 Lodging & Tourism Clients worldwide, including numerous national tourism ministries and globally renowned destinations/attractions. Prior to joining PwC, Nicolas worked in development and preopening functions for Ritz Carlton, Hyatt, and Hilton. In that function, he was responsible for the pre-opening, planning, and drafting of operations manuals for 10+ hotels in Indonesia, Spain, the USA, and Germany. Nicolas graduated with a BSc in Hotel Administration & Finance from Cornell University. He is a member of the advisory board of the World Tourism Forum, of the WTFL Think Tank and to the UNWTO. He is a regular lecturer at hotel schools in Switzerland, Ireland, the Netherlands, the USA and the UAE.
Nikolay Malyarov
CEO, International
PressReader International
Nikolay Malyarov
CEO, International
PressReader International
Website
Nothing gets past Nikolay, and in his position at PressReader, that’s a good thing. His attention to detail and knowledge of the tech, travel, and publishing industries have helped turn PressReader into a profitable global business. Since 2003, Nikolay has led the expansion of the world’s largest all-you-can-read global digital content platform, providing mobile access to over 7,000 newspapers and magazines to consumers and customer-centric brands looking for new ways to build meaningful relationships with real people. His strategic vision and insightful commentary make him a popular speaker at industry events where he shares how businesses in the travel, education, and publishing sectors can capitalize on innovative opportunities that others don’t see. A Million Miler with Air Canada — and well on track to being a two Million Miler — Nikolay is an advocate for the travel and tourism industry and prolific writer (https://www.pressreader.com/international/the-insider) about the latest trends and technologies that are helping to propel it forward. Nikolay also serves on the Management Board of FIPP (http://fipp.com), the network for global media.
Destination Partner
Abdulaziz Al-Mawlawi
CEO
Visit Qatar
Abdulaziz Al-Mawlawi
CEO
Visit Qatar
Website
Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Visit Qatar,
the main arm of Qatar Tourism.
Before joining Qatar Tourism, Eng. Abdulaziz dedicated a decade of his career at the Supreme
Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), where he played pivotal roles in transportation
operations and crowd management for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™M. During his tenure at
the SC, he oversaw the design and implementation of key stadiums required for the tournament.
Prior to his tenure at the SC, Eng. Abdulaziz worked on Special Projects Management at Qatar
Petroleum (now Qatar Energy).
Eng. Abdulaziz holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil and Structural Engineering from the University
of Leeds and a Master's degree in Strategic Business Management from HEC Paris. He also
graduated from the Qatar Leadership Center in 2017.
Abdullah Aldawood
Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company
Play Qiddiya City
Abdullah Aldawood
Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company
Play Qiddiya City
Website
Abdullah Aldawood is the Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), the PIF-owned company tasked with developing Qiddiya City, the new liveable destination next to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abdullah has a strong track record of managing successful companies and investments in Saudi Arabia with over 15 years of experience in investment banking.
Previously, he was managing director of Seera Holding Group, a publicly listed company, which he transformed from a traditional travel and tourism agency into a leading multi-business with interests in travel, tourism, hospitality, car rentals, and technology. He was also the largest investor in Careem before selling it on to Uber.
He chairs the Saudi Entertainment Ventures Company (SEVEN), a company backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is building 20 entertainment complexes across Saudi Arabia. He is also the founder and chairman of Al-Raedah Finance Company, licensed by the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia, which provides technology-driven financing solutions to medium and small businesses through its digital platforms.
Abeer AlAkel
CEO
Royal Commission for AlUla
Abeer AlAkel
CEO
Royal Commission for AlUla
Website
As CEO of The Royal Commission for AlUla, Abeer AlAkel is responsible for overseeing RCU’s mandate to realise the vision of AlUla for its communities and visitors through regenerating and protecting its cultural landscape and providing quality of life to residents.
An accomplished executive and a founding member of the RCU team, Abeer has led and overseen the development and implementation of key strategic initiatives in AlUla for the last six years. In her position as Founding CEO of the Cultural Oasis Regeneration Centre, she focused on the sustainable regeneration and development of AlUla Cultural Oasis, with an emphasis on education, training, and agritourism to restore local communities and farmers.
As Chief of Special Cultural Zones, she was responsible for the full realisation of cultural zones masterplans; from development and design to successful delivery and operation. Key projects included the roll out of the Journey Through Time masterplan and the Cultural Oasis District Public Realm Programme.
As Chief of Special Initiatives and Partnerships, Abeer oversaw the implementation of large scale projects such as the Journey Through Time masterplan; led a global design competition for the Museum of Incense Road and Perspectives Galleries: The Contemporary Art Museum; and established AlUla’s growing equestrian sector. She significantly expanded RCU’s network of global partners to build and share knowledge and expertise, including agreements with UNESCO, IUCN, Panthera, and World Bank.
Abeer launched Winter at Tantora, establishing AlUla as a global destination for art, culture and nature, and achieving two Guinness World Records for largest hot air balloon show and largest mirrored building for Maraya. She played a key role in driving innovation initiatives across the organisation and was instrumental in the Saudi-French intergovernmental agreement for the comprehensive regeneration of AlUla.
Prior to joining RCU, Abeer worked at PwC, leading in mega transformation projects within the Saudi government sector for key clients such as Ministry of Social Affairs and General Sport Authority. Originally trained in Computer and Information Sciences, Abeer is a graduate of Harvard Business School and King Saud University.
Adam OUBUIH
CEO
ATOUT FRANCE - France Tourism Development Agency
Adam OUBUIH
CEO
ATOUT FRANCE - France Tourism Development Agency
Website
Adam Oubuih is Chief Executive Officer of Atout France. With a career that bridges the public and private sectors, he has held senior leadership positions in complex environments, both in France and internationally. He has led investment and transformation strategies for major institutions such as Caisse des Dépôts and BNP Paribas, and has managed economic entities focused on service sectors. His work has consistently focused on enhancing territorial competitiveness, fostering innovation, and supporting ecological and digital transitions. A graduate of ENA, ESSEC, and the High-level Public Service Training Program, he brings a strategic and partnership-driven vision to the development of French tourism.
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Adam Oubuih est directeur général d’Atout France. Fort d’un parcours alliant secteur public et privé, il a exercé des fonctions de direction dans des environnements complexes, en France et à l’international. Il a piloté des stratégies d’investissement et de transformation pour des institutions majeures comme la Caisse des Dépôts ou BNP Paribas, et dirigé des entités économiques dédiées aux services. Son action a toujours été tournée vers la compétitivité des territoires, l’innovation et les transitions écologique et numérique. Ancien élève de l’ENA, diplômé de l’ESSEC et du Cycle des hautes études du service public, il porte une vision stratégique et partenariale du développement touristique et à a coeur de faire rayonner la destination France.
Anas Alajlan
Interim Head of Tourism
NEOM
Antonio Castaño
Director Gerente
Turismo de Sevilla
Bernardo Cueto Riestra
Secretary of Tourism
Quintana Roo Tourism Board
Carlos Abade
President
Turismo de Portugal
Carlos Abade
President
Turismo de Portugal
Website
Carlos Abade is the President of Turismo de Portugal (Portuguese National Tourism Authority) since June 2023.
Previously he was Turismo de Portugal´s board member since february 2016. Between 2007 and 2016, he was Chief Coordinator of Turismo de Portugal investment support unit.
Currently, he´s also non-executive board member of aicep Portugal Global - Trade & Investment Agency, a government body focused on the development of a competitive business environment that contributes to the globalisation of the Portuguese economy, Turismo Fundos, a real estate fund manager company, focused on tourism assets, President of the General Council of the Tourism and Film Fund, President of the General Council of the Revive Natureza Fund, Vice-President of the General Council of FIEAE, a special real estate fund, focused on tourism and industry, member of the General Council of the mutual guarantee fund and member of the General Council and Advisory Board of FINOVA, an innovation support fund.
He has a degree in law and an executive master in finance.
Carmen Cecilia Caballero Villa
President
Procolombia
Carmen Cecilia Caballero Villa
President
Procolombia
Website
International affairs expert, entrepreneur, and senior executive Carmen Cecilia Caballero Villa is the new president of ProColombia, the government agency responsible for attracting foreign investment and internationally promoting exports, tourism, and the Country Brand.
For seven years, she was one of Colombia’s diplomats in Spain. As Consul General in Seville, she managed to strengthen commercial and cultural relations with the Spanish market, leading various bilateral partnerships focused on culture, migration, and tourism. She worked on the International Treaty on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with the Kingdom of Spain and on activities to identify market and internationalization opportunities for companies. She is recognized for her participation in shareholders' meetings and as secretary and president of the Consular Corps of Seville, Spain.
As a businesswoman, she created and spent seven years managing Casa Imperial, a five-star hotel located in Seville’s historic center. She was head of the projects and interior design department of the autonomous community of Andalusia, where she led the restoration and conservation of luxury tourist establishments.
She has worked as an adviser to the Mayor's Office of Santa Marta, where she was part of the 2012-2015 Economic, Social, and Public Works Development Plan “Santa Marta Equality for All - Children First,” and was also involved in the development of the “2012 Investment Promotion Agency for Santa Marta and the Region.”
Born in Santa Marta, Carmen Cecilia Caballero is a dentist with a degree from the Universidad Metropolitana in Barranquilla. In 2010, she received the Gran Cruz de Bastidas, an award for those who have excelled in their economic and social work in the department of Magdalena.
Caballero Villa takes on ProColombia’s presidency with the aim of boosting people’s economy, reducing inequality, building lasting peace, and positioning Colombia as a world power, all by promoting Colombia abroad.
Led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, ProColombia will increase support for Colombian non-mining and non-energy exporters in their internationalization processes, with greater emphasis on MSMEs in rural areas or municipalities with less than 200,000 inhabitants. It will also focus on commercial management and preparing companies to capitalize on foreign trade.
Additionally, ProColombia will work to attract more foreign investment for social equality, strengthen human capital and sustainable development, and establish Colombia as a sustainable business hub in Latin America.
In international tourism, ProColombia aims to implement a promotional strategy focused on attracting more high-spending and environmentally-conscious travelers by highlighting the culture, peace, and liveliness of Colombian destinations, where community participation will be fundamental for the creation of sustainable tourism experiences.
Elif Balci Fisunoglu
Deputy General Manager
Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)
Elif Balci Fisunoglu
Deputy General Manager
Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA)
Website
Fisunoglu’s career in the communication and travel, tourism, industry spans more than 25 years, with
senior positions in Europe and in Turkey. She is a highly regarded expert in destination and nation
marketing and international meetings industry, tourism product development in both private, public
sectors and non-governmental associations both in Turkey and regional/ global positions in Netherlands.
Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu (Ph.D) is currently, the Vice-General Manager of Tourism Operations and
Development division in Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency which founded by
Ministry of Tourism and by law and also representative of TGA at UNWTO Board of Affiliate Members.
Academically holding a Doctorate (Ph.D.) degree in Public Relations with the topic of Strategic
Communication and Destination Image.
Elif has held senior and managerial positions in diverse organizations across all aspects of the Turkish
and European tourism spheres, including fourteen years at Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB).
First in senior sales and marketing positions before serving for four years as General Manager, Elif
spearheaded the roll-out of ICVB’s innovative public-private partnership model, which resulted in
Istanbul breaking into the top 10 congress destinations in 2010.
Elif also served for two years as Regional Director – Europe at the International Congress and Convention
Association (ICCA) in Amsterdam, Netherlands, where she represented the region’s diverse membership
of 580 organizations from 48 countries, from hotels to airlines to DMCs and beyond.
In addition to her former positions, she has held several volunteer and board positions at international
industry associations such as European Cities Marketing, ICCA, Global Destination Sustainability Advisory
Board, SKAL International Istanbul Club and was the MPI- Meeting Professional International Turkiye
Chapter President from 2016 to 2018.
Florian Sengstschmid
CEO
Azerbaijan Tourism Board
Florian Sengstschmid
CEO
Azerbaijan Tourism Board
Website
Florian Sengstschmid, holds a degree in tourism and sociology and has worked in almost every field within the tourism sector over the past 30 years. He started his professional career within the private sector, initially as an incoming and incentive operator in Austria before working for an international luxury brand 5 stars-hotel as its sales and marketing director.
In 1999 he joined the Austrian National Tourist Board as their regional director for Russia and CIS countries. Whilst in Moscow he also worked as a Commercial Attaché at the Austrian Embassy.
In 2003 he returned to Vienna, joining the headquarters of the Austrian National Tourist Board to oversee the international markets and partner management system.
In 2006, he founded his own consultancy, providing tourism promotion and destination management to public bodies, including several government institutions, the European Union and the United Nations.
He supported a wide range of countries - Estonia, Greece, Vietnam, Bhutan, Hungary, Lithuania, Georgia among others. This led him to oversee an EU Twinning project between Austria and Azerbaijan to strengthen the latter’s tourism industry. Following the conclusion of that project, he established the Azerbaijan Convention Bureau under the former Ministry of Culture & Tourism.
After serving as the CEO of Pasha Travel, he was appointed as the CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board in April 2018.
Fred Dixon
President & CEO
Brand USA
Fred Dixon
President & CEO
Brand USA
Website
Fred Dixon began his tenure as Brand USA’s President and CEO on July 15, 2024. He brings with him more than 30 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. Immediately prior to joining Brand USA, he served as President and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions for 10 years where he developed and implemented New York City’s tourism, meetings, and events strategy and programming to grow business and leisure travel from across the USA and from around the world. Under his leadership of NYC Tourism + Conventions, international visitation more than doubled to more than 13 million travelers; the result of a long-term strategy to create a global network of outposts comprising sales, marketing, and press professionals in diverse feeder markets including Australia, China, Mexico, Brazil and the UK. Dixon is highly respected within the travel industry and serves on several association boards and committees. He is the Immediate Past Chair of Destinations International, serves on the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation Board, the board of IGLTA, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, the U.S. Travel Association Executive Committee, and is a trustee for the FIFA World Cup 2026 NYNJ Host Committee.
Helal Saeed Khalfan Al Marri
Director General
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism
Helal Saeed Khalfan Al Marri
Director General
Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism
Website
HE Helal Saeed Almarri is the Director General of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) – the principal authority responsible for strengthening Dubai’s positioning as a world-leading tourism destination and commercial hub. Under this mandate, his role entails leading the planning, supervision and development of sustainable tourism as an economic enabler for Dubai through enhanced partnerships with industry, and active government and public participation. Additionally, Almarri is responsible for reinforcing Dubai’s growing global significance as the key business hub and networking platform for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. He also heads the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which is the region’s largest business and consumer event, exhibition and conference hosting and organising group. Having previously been a consultant with McKinsey & Company and KPMG, his experience spans a diverse portfolio of industries across geographies. Helal Almarri holds an MBA from the London Business School, and is a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Jean-Guy Afrika
CEO
Visit Rwanda
John Pagano
Group CEO
Red Sea Global
John Pagano
Group CEO
Red Sea Global
Website
John Pagano is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and Amaala, two ambitious tourism projects on the north-western coast of Saudi Arabia.
At RSG, John is leveraging his nearly 40 years of international experience in delivering large-scale multi-billion-dollar developments. Since 2018, he has led RSG’s growth from the ground up, and today is creating unique eco-luxury, sustainable, regenerative tourist destinations that will contribute to transforming the global tourism industry and to the diversification of the Saudi Arabian economy.
John’s experience covers every facet of the real estate value chain including site acquisition, master planning, planning, project structuring, financing, construction, and asset management.
Prior to joining RSG, John established his own international strategic advisory company, Old Fort Capital Investments Ltd, drawing on his extensive experience, providing strategic advice internationally on large-scale real estate developments. John holds a BA.Sc degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto. He also studied corporate finance at the London Business School.
Jordi Clos
President of the Executive Committee
Turisme de Barcelona
Jordi Clos
President of the Executive Committee
Turisme de Barcelona
Website
Jordi Clos founded the Derby Hotels Collection in 1968, a collection of 23 hotels in Barcelona, Madrid, London and Paris, each with its own identity.
From 1999 to 2019 he was President of the Barcelona Hotels Guild and in September 2021 he was again elected to preside over the guild, a presidency that alternates with the presidency of the Escola Superior d'Hostaleria de Barcelona ( ESHOB).
He has been vice-president of Turisme de Barcelona since 1993 and also of the ‘Barcelona Promoció’ Foundation, an entity linked to the Chamber of Commerce.
Jordi Clos was elected President of Turisme de Barcelona in October 2023. He has been a witness and an active part in the conversion of Barcelona into an international tourist destination. In 1992, he lived on the front lines of the memorable Olympic Games held in Barcelona. He was appointed Commissioner by Barcelona City Council and the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce for the execution and design of the city's Strategic Tourism Plan, with the aim of promoting it as a tourist destination, and which gave rise to the creation of the current Turisme de Barcelona, of which he has been Vice-President since 1993.
Apart from his activity as a hotel entrepreneur, it is worth highlighting his facet as a collector, patron and promoter of the Clos Archaeological Foundation to contributing to the dissemination of the culture and art of Antiquity, especially of Ancient Egypt. He has created of the Egyptian Museum of Barcelona, the most important private collection of Egyptian art open to the public in Europe with more than 1,300 pieces
He has been decorated with numerous awards and distinctions, national and international, including the Gold Medal for Cultural Merit from Barcelona City Council (2014) and the Sant Jordi Cross from the Generalitat de Catalunya (2003).
Juan Enrique Suárez Del Real Tostado
Tourism Secretary
TOURIST PROMOTION TRUST OF THE STATE OF NAYARIT
Juan Enrique Suárez Del Real Tostado
Tourism Secretary
TOURIST PROMOTION TRUST OF THE STATE OF NAYARIT
Website
Juan Enrique Suárez del Real Tostado ,now leading the secretary , is a businessman with a social sense, who works for the progress of Nayarit through the development of Tourism. Also, President of ASETUR. Juan Enrique has wide experience in the Tourism industry where he has served as the National Representative of Hotel Entrepreneurs within the AMHM (Mexican Hotels Association), Vice President of the CONCANACO SERVYTUR Tepic and President of the Hotels Association of Tepic.
Juliana Kagwa
CEO
Uganda Tourism Board
Juliana Kagwa
CEO
Uganda Tourism Board
Website
Juliana Kagwa is the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board, effective 20 May 2025. With nearly 20 years of leadership experience in marketing, brand strategy, and stakeholder engagement, she has held senior roles at Uganda Breweries and East African Breweries—including Marketing & Innovations Director, Corporate Relations Director, and Country Manager for Heineken—as well as serving as Group Marketing & Sales Director at Seed Co International, a pan-African agricultural firm. She began her career at GlaxoSmithKline as a medical representative and holds a BSc in Food Science & Technology from Makerere University and an MBA from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University.
As UTB’s CEO, Juliana brings a strong blend of corporate acumen, sustainability focus, and innovative marketing expertise, poised to reposition Uganda as a sustainable and competitive destination on the global tourism stage. She is expected to leverage her track record in brand building, public–private partnerships, and eco-driven initiatives to drive inclusive sector growth and enhance Uganda’s global tourism appeal.
Keitumetse Setlang
CEO
Botswana Tourism Organisation
Keitumetse Setlang
CEO
Botswana Tourism Organisation
Website
Keitumetse Setlang has been part of the tourism industry in the marketing and public relations field since 1998 when she joined the industry as a Public Relations Manager.
Currently sitting in the Executive Manager – Marketing position in Botswana Tourism Organisation; she has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the Botswana Tourism Strategy focusing on Global Destination Marketing, Brand Management and Public Relations for Botswana Tourism as well as resuscitating travel and tourism following continuous COVID-19 implications through highlighting and availing linkages to the tourism industry to increase its impact on the local economy, ‘it is important to strengthen these linkages to create business opportunities across tourism value chains’.
Keitumetse is also instrumental in the stimulation of the MICE or business tourism sector.
Latia Duncombe
Director General
The Islands of the Bahamas
Latia Duncombe
Director General
The Islands of the Bahamas
Website
Latia Duncombe is a Bahamian business professional, leveraging over twenty-five (25) years of cross-industry experience to promote personal and organisational success, as an authentic transformational leader, driven by her passion for excellence, learning, and her country. This has led her to local and international responsibilities in The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Turks & Caicos Islands. Latia has a strong background in sales and marketing, public relations, finance, and business analysis, and a wealth of multi-industry experience spanning Banking and Finance, Wholesale and Retail Foods, Beverage Distribution, and the Fuel Industry. She was most recently a Senior Executive and Head of Sales & Marketing for Rubis Bahamas Limited, responsible for strategic direction, sales growth, new business development, marketing, branding, and public relations in the Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos Islands. Latia holds an MBA with Merit from the University of Liverpool, an Associates of Arts in Accounting, and is an Affiliate of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). She believes that learning is a lifelong pursuit and promotes a culture of continuous growth and development. Latia is equally committed to charitable and community work, and she recognises the value of service to others. She currently serves as a REACH (Resources and Education for Autism Relates Challenges) board member and has been a Red Cross Volunteer.
Lisardo Moran
CEO
Andalucia Tourism Board
Lisardo Moran
CEO
Andalucia Tourism Board
Website
Born in Malaga in 1978, where he spent his early years, Lisardo Moran moved in the year 2000 to the United Kingdom, where he got his first degree in Advertising at the University of Wales.
Back to Spain, in 2006, he joined the Andalusia Tourist Board, where he first worked as Graphic Designer. Later, he joined the team of the tourism innovation center, Andalucia Lab, where he succesfully accomplished the role of IT consultant until 2014.
After this experience, he decided to full-time join University, where he was collaborating as a techaer in IT and Design, becoming the Academic Director of the EADE University. There, he managed to create and lead several undergraduate and master’s courses, establishing new links with different educational institutions in Spain.
The fields where he usually taught included branding, advertising, communication and sponsorships. That expertise leaded him to the world of e-Sports, as he became in 2018 Head of Brand Strategy for the e-sports team Malaga Giants, one of the largest esports companies in the country.
In this organization, he directed the brand positioning, in addition to achieving different agreements and sponsorships with national and international companies such as Nike, Vodafone and L'Oreal.
Marcelo Freixo
President
Visit Brasil | Embratur - Brazilian Tourist Board
Marcelo Freixo
President
Visit Brasil | Embratur - Brazilian Tourist Board
Website
History Professor from Universidade Federal Fluminense. He was part of the Transition Government's Tourism Working Group. He served as a state deputy in the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro and as a federal deputy in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies. In 2019, he was appointed opposition leader and was twice named Brazil's best parliamentarian by the Congresso em Foco Award. Freixo also ran for mayor of Rio de Janeiro and for governor of the state in 2022.
Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles
Chief Operating Officer
Tourism Promotion Board Philippines
Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles
Chief Operating Officer
Tourism Promotion Board Philippines
Website
Maria Margarita “Marga” Montemayor Nograles is a seasoned entrepreneur. After graduating in AB Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in Management and Communications at the Ateneo De Manila University, Marga has since then been involved in fashion, retail businesses and set up her own Social Enterprise. She began her entrepreneurial journey after being awarded the exclusive sub-distributorship of Brazilian flip flop Havaianas, in Southeast Mindanao.
A native of Davao City, Marga takes pride in what Mindanao can bring to the world. So much so that together with the Philippine Department of Tourism New York Office, Marga previously organized and headed the “Balik Davao” campaign in 2000, a celebration of Mindanao talents from Margie Moran Floirendo’s book signing, to an art show featuring Filipino and Mindanao artists headed by father and son Cacnio and ending with a fashion show which featured the artistic prowess and designs of Mindanaons, bridging her love for both culture and country.
Thereafter, Marga carved a niche for herself as the founder of locally awarded fashion brand and social enterprise Kaayo Modern Mindanao. Kaayo opened doors to empower women by providing sustainable livelihood to indigenous tribes and women’s groups in Mindanao.
Her passion for Philippine culture and her understanding of fashion and brand as a potent medium of advocacy is helping to cement the Philippine brand of excellence in the world of fashion and lifestyle.
Determined to bring the Filipino brand to the world, she now serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines.
Marsha Walden
President & CEO
Destination Canada
Marsha Walden
President & CEO
Destination Canada
Website
Marsha’s career spans leadership roles in strategy and organizational renewal, marketing and communications, corporate social responsibility, operations management, and business innovation. She has worked with enterprises in many of Canada’s flagship industries and found her true calling in tourism. Marsha joined Destination Canada as President and CEO in August 2020 in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. She is proud to lead a team of passionate professionals who share a common purpose of inspiring those with glowing hearts to fall in love with Canada – enriching the lives of visitors and enhancing the quality of life of Canadians. Previously, Marsha led the team at Destination British Columbia, initiating ground-breaking strategies for tourism development and data-driven performance marketing. A resident of North Vancouver, Marsha holds a bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia and is an active volunteer with the YMCA of Greater Vancouver, BC Business Laureates, and The Presidents Group championing inclusive employment. Marsha’s glowing hearts Canadian moment was wildlife touring in Haida Gwaii and witnessing the prehistoric-looking spectacle of humpback whales bubble-net feeding nearby. “Their power and intelligence was breathtaking and humbling.”
Martin Nydegger
CEO
Switzerland Tourism
Martin Nydegger
CEO
Switzerland Tourism
Website
Martin Nydegger is a seasoned tourism leader with more than 30 years of industry experience and has served as CEO of Switzerland Tourism since 2018, overseeing the global network of 35 offices and strategic positioning of Switzerland as a premium travel and congress destination. Before becoming CEO, he held several senior roles within the organization, including nine years as Head of Business Development and three years as Director of the Netherlands office.
He has been instrumental in shaping key national initiatives such as the Grand Tour of Switzerland, Travel Better and the Swisstainable program. Nydegger is also the co-author of En Route (Unterwegs) and is frequently invited to speak at major international platforms, including WEF, Tourise, ITB etc. He serves as vice chairman of Switzerland Travel Center and Swiss Travel System, is a board member of REKA and sits at the WEF Beyond Tourism Leadership Council.
Earlier in his career, Nydegger held leadership roles in the Engadine region, supporting the development of local tourism. He holds an MBA in Strategy from the University of Strathclyde and completed executive studies at Stanford Graduate School of Business and holds a diploma of the Swiss Board School.
Martina Bienenfeld
CEO
Zagreb Tourist Board
Martina Bienenfeld
CEO
Zagreb Tourist Board
Website
Ph.D. Martina Bienenfeld has been the CEO of Zagreb Tourist Board since June 2014 where she’s developing a tourist offer of the Croatian capital, with a special emphasis on the development strategy, sustainable planning and destination management. Ms Bienenfeld positions Zagreb as a year-round destination, developing special types of tourism such as cultural, health, sport and MICE tourism in cooperation with the tourist industry and the public and private sectors. Likewise, she endeavors to develop tourism in a sustainable and safe manner, and with the creation of a year-round offer, she strives to ensure to Zagreb’s visitors more comfortable and quality-based stay in the capital.
With a vast knowledge and experience in field of tourism in, both, private and public sector, she’s often a panelist, lecturer or presenter at various conferences and, also, a member of several working groups for diverse tourist projects in Croatian capital. During her work in Zagreb Tourist Board, Zagreb became a successful tourist destination and a winner of some key national and international awards such as three times Best European Christmas Market (2016, 2017, 2018) by European Best Destinations organization, Best in Europe by Lonely Planet magazine (2017), Champion of Croatian tourism (2018) and Best in Sustainability (2021) by Conventa.
At the General Assembly of the former World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), now UN Tourism, held in October 2023, Ms Bienenfeld was elected a member of the World Committee on Tourism Ethics for the 2023-2027 period. Additionally, she was a member of the Working Group of the President of the Republic of Croatia for the development of the identity and brand of the Republic of Croatia (2018 – 2019) and, since 2019, she’s the coordinator and member of the Working Group for the Implementation of the Framework Strategy of the Smart City of Zagreb through the Smart City Hub platform. Also, she’s a Steering Committee member of SKAL club Zagreb and is a winner of Woman of the Year Award (2016), Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award (2016) and Vision Manager Award (2017).
Miguel Sanz
Director General
TURESPAÑA
Miguel Sanz
Director General
TURESPAÑA
Website
Functions El Instituto de Turismo de España (TURESPAÑA) es el organismo público, adscrito al Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y Turismo a través de la Secretaría de Estado de Turismo, responsable del marketing de España como destino de viajes en el mundo. Planifica y lleva a cabo actuaciones para la promoción del turismo español en los mercados internacionales, en un marco de colaboración público-privada e interterritorial. Se ocupa de la gestión de la marca España en su dimensión turística. Realiza una importante labor de inteligencia turística, así como de gestión y coordinación de la red de 33 Consejerías de Turismo en el exterior, teniendo a su cargo también la ampliación, conservación y modernización de los inmuebles de la red de Paradores de Turismo de España, S.A. Other charges Ha sido Director de Marketing y Promoción de la empresa pública Turismo Madrid de la Comunidad de Madrid; Coordinador del Área de Turismo de la empresa municipal Promoción Madrid y, desde 2016, Director de Turismo de la también empresa municipal Madrid Destino. Ha sido miembro, desde 2018, de la Junta directiva de European Cities Marketing, asociación que reúne a entidades de gestión y promoción de más de 120 destinos urbanos europeos. En julio de 2020 fue nombrado Director General de TURESPAÑA. Academy training Graduado en Estudios Empresariales en el Reino Unido, donde también cursó un máster en Política y Economía Latinoamericana en la London School of Economics. Professional experience Ha residido y trabajado en varios países de Europa, EE.UU. y América Latina. Su carrera profesional en España se ha desarrollado en diversos proyectos de marketing y comunicación cultural y, principalmente, en el ámbito del turismo.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak
Chairman
Department of Culture & Tourism - Emirate of Abu Dhabi
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak
Chairman
Department of Culture & Tourism - Emirate of Abu Dhabi
Website
HE Al Mubarak Khalifa Al Mubarak is Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, which oversees the conservation and promotion of Abu Dhabi’s heritage and culture, everaging them to develop distinctive experiences designed to enrich the lives of visitors and residents. Al Mubarak is also a member of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi and Chairman Miral Asset Management, an organisation responsible for the development of Yas Island, a world-class leisure and entertainment destination, which is already home to attractions that have put Yas Island firmly on the world stage. Al Mubarak is also Chairman of Aldar Properties PJSC, Abu Dhabi’s leading property development and management company, with assets in excess of $12 billion and over 70 million square metres of development land. In addition, Al Mubarak is Chairman of Aldar Academies, one of the largest providers of modern private education in Abu Dhabi, and he is also Chairman of Image Nation Abu Dhabi, one of the leading content creators for film and television in the Middle East. Al Mubarak is a graduate of Northeastern University (USA), with a double major in Economics and Political Science.
Nancy Mammana
Chief Marketing Officer
New York City Tourism + Conventions
Nancy Mammana
Chief Marketing Officer
New York City Tourism + Conventions
Website
As Chief Marketing Officer, Nancy Mammana is responsible for leading NYC Tourism’s overall marketing strategy for the five boroughs of New York City, including its domestic and international promotional campaigns, media strategies, digital initiatives, creative & content plans, events, partnerships, licensing and global tourism development efforts. Nancy also recently oversaw the company’s first rebrand in 26 years, as well as the relaunch of its website, nyctourism.com. Before joining, Nancy served as Vice President, Marketing for Patina Restaurant Group, where she oversaw marketing at more than 35 company-owned and operated restaurants nationally, including dining establishments within famed New York City institutions such as the Metropolitan Opera, Rockefeller Center, Lincoln Center, Macy’s Herald Square and Brooklyn Botanic Garden, to name a few. Beyond NYC, she oversaw marketing for the company’s growing presence in Orlando, most notably the opening of its Morimoto Asia restaurant in Disney Springs.
Nancy’s route to NYC Tourism has been circuitous but somehow pre-determined. Prior to Patina, she had a long, successful career in marketing and partnerships with a heavy focus on travel, sports and entertainment with companies such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Cunard Line and the National Basketball Association (NBA). She also has extensive agency experience, having worked within the Omnicom family for almost 17 years. Most notably she opened up the New York office for The Marketing Arm as Vice President, Account Services, where she worked for over 10 years representing brands such as PepsiCo, Monster.com, Victoria’s Secret, American Express and Staples.
In her spare time, Nancy enjoys traveling both within and out of the city, cooking and International Latin ballroom dancing.
Phillipa Harrison
CEO
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
Rosa Viola Harris
Director, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
Rosa Viola Harris
Director, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
Website
Mrs. Rosa Harris is the Director of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, and a recognized leader in the Caribbean tourism and hospitality sector.
She is a Senior Level Executive with more than 20 years’ experience in management, business leadership, and working with Government Officials, Boards of Directors, Advertising Executive and Tourism Partners.
Mrs. Harris serves on multiple boards and committees which help manage and shape the Cayman Islands’ tourism industry. She is the Chairman of the Public Transportation Board, the Hotel Licensing Board, and the Cayman Islands Hospitality School Council. Mrs. Harris also serves as Deputy Chairman on the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame board of governors as well as the Cayman Islands Film Commission and the Cayman Islands National Attractions Authority.
Mrs. Harris has a BSc in Hotel Administration from the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, and a Manchester Global MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School at The University of Manchester. Most recently Mrs. Harris attained the distinguished post graduate certificate ILM 7 from The Institute of Leadership and Management.
Mrs. Harris was honoured in November 2023 with the Caribbean Media Exchange Leadership Award. She considers herself to be a daughter of the soil, a proud Caymanian, born and raised as well as a Global Citizen.
Shamilla Chettiar
Acting CEO
South African Tourism
Thapanee Kiatphaibool
Governor
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Thapanee Kiatphaibool
Governor
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Website
Having been with the TAT in 1999 after earning a master’s degree in science (MSc.) for International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey in the UK, Ms. Thapanee has held various positions within the organisation, including Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, and most recently Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing.
In her most recent role as TAT Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing, Ms. Thapanee initiated various tourism initiatives to help drive Thailand’s economy. Among them included the workation in Thailand, faith and religious tourism routes, and solo travels – which helped stimulate 151.45 million domestic trips in 2022 – about 88% of the record year in 2019 – and generated 641.5 billion Baht.
In her role as Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, Ms. Thapanee was recognised for her leadership in initiating the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certification programme that enabled hotels and services to meet specific health and safety standards. The programme became a mandatory requirement for hotels seeking to register as quarantine facilities during the period of strict COVID-19 control measures and also received global recognition in alignment with the WTTC SafeTravels protocols.
Thereza Mugobi
Director of Tourism
Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism of Tanzania
Thereza Mugobi
Director of Tourism
Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism of Tanzania
Website
Thereza Israel Mugobi is a Director of Tourism at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT). She has been in the academia industry over the past ten years. She holds a PhD in Tourism, a Master degree in International Tourism from a recognized and reputable University of Lugano in Switzerland and a Bachelor degree in Tourism Management from the Western cape university in Cape Town. Mugobi has over five years of research experience in the areas of heritage tourism, eTourism, sustainable tourism, tourism entrepreneurship, tourism marketing, and tourism. Mugobi has published a number of articles from both domestic and international journals in the tourism area. Her expertise is also in the analysis of online reputation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Consultancy for entrepreneurship & Empowerment.
Valentin Diaz Gilligan
President
Visit Buenos Aires
Valentin Diaz Gilligan
President
Visit Buenos Aires
Website
Valentín Díaz Gilligan is the current president at both the Tourism Entity of the City of Buenos Aires and Visit Buenos Aires.
He has a degree in Business Administration and a Master in Corporate Finance, he has extensive experience in the tourism industry, both in the public and private sectors.
In the private sphere, he was part of hotel ventures and founded the tourism developments consulting company ‘Terra Sud’, which he led for more than 10 years.
In the public sector, he was the Director of Tourism Promotion in the city between 2013 and 2015, and then served at the national level as Undersecretary General of the Presidency between 2015 and 2018.
Willianette Robles
Executive Director
Puerto Rico Tourism Company
Willianette Robles
Executive Director
Puerto Rico Tourism Company
Website
With over 15 years of experience in strategic leadership, Willianette Robles Cancel, is an executive recognized for her capabilities to foster the growth of the tourism industry, strengthen alliances between the public and private sectors, and maximize the impact of promotional campaigns in global markets. Her professional career, which combines experience in strategic communications, digital marketing, and event planning, sets her apart as a trailblazer in the development of destination development.
During her tenancy at the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, she led key initiatives such as the arrival of new cruise ships and airlines, as well as the implementation of marketing strategies to position the Island as a world class travel destination. As Director of Communications for the Autonomous Municipality of Guaynabo, she supervised a multidisciplinary team, organized a great number of annual events, and administered multimillion dollar budgets.
Her academic background clearly demonstrates her commitment to excellence and innovation. Willianette Robles earned a master’s degree in Digital Marketing from Full Sail University, and bachelor’s degree in Production and Marketing of Events with a Major in Advertising from the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón.
She also earned specialized certifications in Project Management on subjects such as planning, resource administration, and risk management. These qualifications, alongside her proficiency in digital platforms, consolidate her capacity to spearhead complex and multifaceted projects in the tourism and marketing sectors.
Robles Cancel has worked in the creation and development of large-scale events, confirming her ability to successfully lead and complete this type of project. Among her most significant achievements are planning and completion of high-profile events such as international conventions, and cooperative marketing agreements with international airlines, undertakings that have increased Puerto Rico’s reputation as a cultural and strategic investment destination. She was also a key player in post-Hurricane María community reconstruction projects in areas such as the Old San Juan Cruise Piers, La Perla, and Punta Santiago, proving her commitment to the economic development of the Island and our communities.
As Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company she spearheads a new chapter, one focused on tangible results and direct economic impact. She has steered high-revenue events, masterminded destination presentations in international travel industry conferences such as FITUR, Routes, and Seatrade, and met with industry leaders from around the world. Under her mandate, new air access routes have begun their operations from key international markets, Puerto Rico welcomed the world’s largest cruise ship – the Icon of the Seas – , and the tourism offer available in the southern part of the Island has experienced a resurgence as part of the decentralization of tourism activity and development strategic plans. In addition to this, she initiated a plan of integral regional tourism development in order to strengthen the infrastructure and promote tourism throughout tourism zones, thereby reaffirming her commitment with a resilient innovative tourism industry that will contribute to the economic development of the Island.
Association Partner
Bud Darr
President & CEO
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
Bud Darr
President & CEO
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
Website
Charles “Bud” Darr is President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the global trade association that represents an expansive community of the world's most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and a widespread network of stakeholders, including ports and destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services.
As President and CEO, Bud is responsible for leading the organization’s work as the leading authority and voice of the industry across the association’s five operating regions, including North America, Europe, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Australasia, and Brazil.
Bud was announced in December 2024 as president and CEO of CLIA effective 3 February 2025—returning to CLIA, having previously held the post of Senior Vice President of Technical and Regulatory Affairs from 2010 to 2017. Prior to his return to CLIA, Bud served as Executive Vice President, Maritime Policy and Government Affairs, at MSC Group for more than seven years. During his accomplished career in maritime, he has also held positions within the U.S. Coast Guard, including Deputy Chief of Maritime & International Law, and he has served in the U.S. Navy, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard.
A highly respected figure in the maritime world, Bud’s leadership of CLIA comes at an important time for the industry as the cruise sector builds on a strong and responsible growth trajectory in support of its 2050 sustainability targets. He has exceptional maritime experience and over the course of his career has built outstanding relationships across the global cruise industry and with related trade, equipment, ports, shipbuilders, and service providers.
Bud has extensive experience across the broader maritime community, including through his involvement with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), BIMCO, UK Chamber of Shipping, Liberian Shipowners Council, SEA-LNG, Society for Gas as Marine Fuel, World Shipping Council, IMO World Maritime University, Cruise Safety and Sustainability Forum, and the Seamen's Church Institute (SCI).
He began his education in Submarine Nuclear Engineering and later obtained his formal undergraduate education at the US Merchant Marine Academy. During his service with the US Coast Guard, he studied law at the George Washington University Law School.
Don Welsh
President & CEO
Destinations International
Don Welsh
President & CEO
Destinations International
Website
A seasoned tourism executive with more than 35 years of experience in the industry, Don Welsh serves as the President and CEO of Destinations International. Since joining the association in March 2016, Welsh has implemented a strategic realignment for the association through a renewed commitment to focus on member needs to deliver the resources members have determined to be essential to the success of their organizations.
Prior to joining Destinations International, Welsh served as the President and CEO of Choose Chicago. Welsh also held the CEO position at the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association and the Seattle Convention & Visitors Bureau. Prior to joining the destination marketing industry, Welsh served as senior vice president for Westin Hotels at its corporate headquarters and has also held senior leadership positions in sales and marketing for Westin Hotels and Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino in Las Vegas.
Firuz Baglikaya
President
The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB)
Firuz Baglikaya
President
The Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB)
Website
Born in Istanbul, Bağlıkaya completed his education at the Tourism and Hospitality Vocational High School and the Foreign Languages Higher Education School. He started working in the tourism sector in 1980, focusing on hotel management and travel agency services. Between 1995 and 2020, he organised tours for the Turkish Mediterranean region and other tourist destinations from Russia, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. In addition to his work in travel agencies, Bağlıkaya's family businesses operate in sectors such as mining, defence, souvenirs and retail.
He served as the second vice president of the Turkish Travel Agencies Association (TÜRSAB) from 2011 to 2014, and has held the position of TÜRSAB president since March 2018. Bağlıkaya was also the Chairman of the Tourism and Travel Agencies Foundation (TURSAV) from 2018 to 2023. He currently holds various positions, including member of the DEİK Executive Board, Chairman of UKTAŞ, Vice Chairman of ICVB and Vice Chairman of TUGEV. He is also the President of TOBB Travel Agencies and Guides Assembly.
Geoff Freeman
President & CEO
U.S. Travel Association
Geoff Freeman
President & CEO
U.S. Travel Association
Website
Freeman is a seasoned association CEO with a proven track record of building successful organizations that unite member interests, grow member value, increase revenue and unlock growth opportunities. Prior to joining U.S. Travel, Freeman was president and CEO of the Consumer Brands Association, the trade association for America’s $2.1 trillion food, beverage and consumer products industry. During his tenure, Freeman launched a strategic campaign to transform the association into a powerful, modern advocacy organization aimed at driving growth and delivering sound regulatory and legislative outcomes that benefit industry leaders and consumers. During his tenure, Freeman grew membership by 35 percent and boosted total revenue by nearly 50 percent.
Freeman joined the Consumer Brands Association after serving for five years as president and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA). In that role, Freeman led a successful effort to reform and modernize the AGA, build public support for the gaming industry and open new pathways for industry growth. Under his leadership, the AGA spearheaded a multi-year, research-driven campaign to demonstrate gaming’s broad support across the political spectrum and promote the industry’s role in spurring economic growth, job creation and tax revenues in communities across more than 40 states where gaming is legal. That campaign created the tailwinds needed to advance AGA’s signature initiative achieved under Freeman – the legalization of sports betting in the United States. While leading AGA, Freeman drove a 200 percent increase in membership and doubled association revenue.
Freeman previously served as COO of the U.S. Travel Association from 2011 to 2013, helping to conceive and lead a campaign that resulted in the passage of the bipartisan Travel Promotion Act, which was hailed as “the industry’s biggest legislative victory in a decade.” In the aftermath of 9/11, Freeman created a blue-ribbon panel headed by former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge to analyze how to improve travel security without compromising travel efficiency. This effort led directly to the creation of TSA PreCheck. Both the Travel Promotion Act and TSA PreCheck demonstrate Freeman’s ability to identify industry opportunities, craft a winning policy response and drive campaigns that succeed in gaining broad support among diverse stakeholders.
Freeman’s previous experience includes roles at APCO Worldwide, America’s Health Insurance Plans and Freddie Mac.
A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Freeman lives in Arlington, Va., with his wife and three children.
Joy Jibrilu
CEO
Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB)
Joy Jibrilu
CEO
Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB)
Website
Currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, Joy Jibrilu made history as the first woman and the first Bahamian to hold the position. Mrs. Jibrilu shares the responsibility of promoting Nassau and Paradise Island to the world, and she is passionate about sustainable tourism, supporting the socio-economic development of the country and its people, and building and safeguard the tourism industry for the benefit of future generations.
Before joining NPIPB, Mrs. Jibrilu enjoyed a stellar 19-year career in government, centred on tourism and investments. Since 2005, she has served as Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, and as Director of Investments in the Bahamas Investment Authority. She has also worked with the Ministry of Financial Services and Investments and the Ministry of Finance. She has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation and was named Caribbean Tourism Director of the Year in 2018.
Prior to joining the public service in the Bahamas, Mrs. Jibrilu lived and worked in West Africa and the United Kingdom. She is a Barrister (Attorney-at-Law) by profession, called to the Bar in both England and the Bahamas.
Juan Bancalari
President
Asociación de Hoteles y Turismo de la República Dominicana (ASONAHORES)
Juan Bancalari
President
Asociación de Hoteles y Turismo de la República Dominicana (ASONAHORES)
Website
Bancalari graduated as a Commercial Administrator from APEC University in 1984. Founding President of Bancalari & Asociados, SRL since 1982, a company specialized in providing insurance advice to important companies and institutions in the Dominican Republic, which for more than 40 years has been positioned among the top 10 insurance brokerage companies in the country.
Also in the business area, in 2006 he developed the Puerto Bahía Marina & Residences Real Estate Tourism project, and is currently president of Marina Puerto Bahía, one of the 4 most important private marinas in the country. He is a partner and part of the Board of Directors of Bahía Capital, a company dedicated to the development and operation of shopping malls. Founding partner of Perpetual Energy Group, SRL, developer of the Las Colinas Equestrian Club.
In the institutional area, he has been president of the Dominican Association of Insurance Brokers (ADOCOSE), the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ANJE), the Dominican Republic Stock Exchange, the Chamber of Commerce and Production of Santo Domingo, founding president of the Dominican Association of Real Estate Tourism Companies (ADETI), Director of the Institutionality and Justice Foundation, 4th Vice President of the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (ASONAHORES), the Association of Hotels and Tourism Companies of Samaná (AHETSA) and the recently founded Dominican Association of Marinas and Nautical Clubs (ADMC).
Member to be Announced
Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC)
Oya Narin
President
TTYD (Turkish Tourism Investors Association)
Oya Narin
President
TTYD (Turkish Tourism Investors Association)
Website
Ms. Oya Narin was born in 1964. She graduated from St. Michel High School in Istanbul and obtained a Bachelors degree from the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland. She started her professional career at Hotel Metropole in Geneva, Switzerland, and Sheraton Hotels Hawaii Pacific Division. She worked at Narin Textile industry from 1988 and worked at various departments as a manager at Martı Hotels and Marinas. She has been Chairperson of Marti Hotels chain since 2008. Ms. Narin was elected as President of Turkish Tourism Investors Association (TTYD) in 2017 where she has been a member since 1988. Ms. Narin is also Vice President of Martı Real Estate Investment Company. She is one of the founders and the Board Member of the Autism Early Diagnosis and Education Foundation – TOHUM. Her memberships of the foundations and the associations include: TOBB - Vice President & the member of women entrepreneur committee of Tourism Assembly TUSIAD - Chair of Tourism Working Group TUROB - Turkish Hoteliers Association GETOB - South Aegean Hoteliers Association KETAV - Kemer Region Promotion Foundation KAGİDER - Turkish Women Entrepreneurs Association SKAL - Istanbul Chapter
Regional Member
Aileen Clemente
Chairman & President
Rajah Travel Corporation
Aileen Clemente
Chairman & President
Rajah Travel Corporation
Website
With 20 years of industry experience, Aileen is currently Chairman and President of RTC. She is currently engaged in several businesses and supports several advocacies. Her work includes functions such as conceptualizing, drafting and implementation of private and public tourism projects. She holds and has held various positions in the industry including the ASEAN Travel Association (ASEANTA), Tourism Congress of the Philippines (TCP), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Travel Agencies Association PTAA), and Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association (PIATA). Aileen is frequently invited as a speaker and resource person on varied tourism topics by organizations such as the Chambers of Commerce, the Department of Tourism, national tourist organizations, research institutes, associations and educational institutions both in the local and international arena. She is a recipient of the first Global Peace Awards for Empowered Women in Tourism accorded by International Institute for Peace through Tourism-India in partnership with UNWTO (2016), the SKAL-Makati Travel Agency Personality of the Year (2015), and Amadeus Industry Leaders Award (2012).
Albert Planas
CEO
NEBEXT
Albert Planas
CEO
NEBEXT
Website
Albert Planas is the CEO and Founder of NEBEXT, an international exhibitions and congress organizer, specialized in events focused on innovation, technology and sustainability for any industry. He actually leads 8 annual events, one of them is Tourism Innovation Summit, a global conference for tourism leaders. Albert has over 20 years of experience on creating and producing innovative events and conferences for any industry. He has a strong experience into creating public-private partnerships and developing business platforms where technology boost industries and professionals to become more competitive. He also studied European Hotel Management at the UAB School and a PDG on Business Administration by IESE. Albert has developed his career in different industries such as hospitality at Marriot, leisure at Aspro Parks and at the exhibitions at Fira de Barcelona.
Aldo Melpignano
Managing Director (Founder)
Egnazia Ospitalita Italiana SRL
Aldo Melpignano
Managing Director (Founder)
Egnazia Ospitalita Italiana SRL
Website
Innovative hotelier and passionate traveller, Aldo Melpignano is the Co-Owner of Borgo Egnazia and the Founder of Egnazia Ospitalità Italiana.
Born in Rome in 1977 to a Puglian family, Aldo Melpignano completed his early schooling at San Giuseppe De Merode, a Catholic institution in Rome, after which he moved to London in 1997 to attend Cass Business School, City University.
At the age of just 19, he made his first encounter with the world of hospitality, supporting his mother in turning Masseria San Domenico, already a family property, into the first ‘Leading Hotel of the World’ in Puglia.
A few years later, he decided to embark on his own training path. At 22, he started working in investment banking before he moved to the United States. There, at 25, he was among the youngest MBA students at Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 2005.
After his MBA, Aldo relocated to New York and – having been brought up within the hospitality world – in 2005 he formally began his work in the industry at Morgans Hotel Group, the company created by the hotel guru Ian Schrager. Here, after an early role working in the CFO’s office overseeing the company’s initial public offering, he was responsible for corporate planning and investor relations and then became Business Development Director, in charge of the company’s international growth.
In 2007, Aldo followed the call of his Puglian roots and decided to return to Europe to devote himself to the family business that had developed in the meantime. Splitting his time and efforts between London and Puglia, he embarked on the most ambitious family venture: Borgo Egnazia, an innovative destination that has gradually been changing the face of travel and wellbeing in a previously undiscovered region. Borgo Egnazia opened in 2010, its creation inspired by the typical local villages of Puglia, with a focus on a unique concept of hospitality based on wellbeing and local authentic experiences.
Today, Aldo is also Vice President with responsibility for the hospitality area of Altagamma, the foundation that promotes high quality Italian industry.
In 2023, Aldo Melpignano launches the Egnazia group and heads towards new ambitious goals: to support the development of territories and people through an innovative vision of hospitality, international and local at the same time, contemporary but deeply rooted in traditions.
Alejandro de la Osa Castro
CEO
Europamundo Vacaciones
Alejandro de la Osa Castro
CEO
Europamundo Vacaciones
Website
Alejandro de la Osa was appointed CEO at Europamundo in 2023, with his responsibilities encompassing technology, system development and strong leadership for the years to come.
In 1998, Alejandro started working at Europamundo Vacaciones in the role of Commercial Manager and Responsible of Technology System Development. Over the years, his leadership and experience contributed to the company's growth, success and commercial expansion as a travel and tourism company.
Alejandro holds a Bachelor's degree in Geography and History from Complutense University of Madrid and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Marketing Management from Canterbury University.
Alex Sharpe
President & CEO
Signature Travel Network
Alex Sharpe
President & CEO
Signature Travel Network
Website
Alex Sharpe has been a leader in the travel industry for 28 years. He has served as President and CEO of Signature Travel Network since 2013. Alex joined Signature in January 2011 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Previously, Alex worked for Regent Seven Seas Cruises for 14 years (originally Radisson Seven Seas Cruises), running Revenue Management and later as the SVP of National Accounts and International Sales.
Signature Travel Network is a member-owned, member-directed travel cooperative comprised of top-tier travel agencies and over 15,000 travel advisors. The member-owned structure allows Signature to focus on each individual agency’s needs with industry-leading marketing, technology and training options.
With $15 billion in annual sales, the network’s significant buying power is further leveraged by partnerships with 1500 of the world’s finest travel suppliers. Signature invites and carefully selects both member agencies and preferred partners. The result is the unique Signature community and family culture.
Alex recently inspired and led the formation of Travel Elevates, the charitable arm of Signature Travel Network that supports education and economic empowerment in popular travel destinations around the world.
Alison Grinnell
Chief Executive Officer
Marjan
Alison Grinnell
Chief Executive Officer
Marjan
Website
Alison has over 20 years of experience working with the hospitality industry; extensively travelled, she has worked in over 30 countries covering Europe, United States and Middle East/Africa. She has lived and worked in the Middle east for the past 8 years. Alison comes form a strong financial background, with a BSc in Economics and an ACA Chartered Accountancy Qualification. She started her career with Andersen in the UK and US, moving to PwC in 2001. Alison moved to the Middle East from PwC in London to help establish and develop PwC’s Middle East Hospitality and Leisure practice into a leader in its field. Her roles were initially as Middle East Hotels Lead, and ultimately as the Middle East Real Estate, Hospitality and Leisure Leader. Alison initially joined RAK Hospitality Holding as CFO, and then moved into the CEO role in 2019. Alison oversees the Groups subsidiaries covering Hotel Ownership, Advisory & Asset Management Services, Hospitality Transport and Logistics, and Leisure & F&B activities.
Andrew Flintham
Managing Director
British Airways Holidays Ltd
Andrew Flintham
Managing Director
British Airways Holidays Ltd
Website
Andrew is Managing Director of British Airways Holidays, bringing over 25 years of travel and aviation experience to the role. He joined in October 2024, following senior leadership positions across British Airways, First Choice Holidays, and TUI Group.
Andrew spent over a decade at TUI, where he served as Managing Director of the UK business from 2018 to 2023. He played a pivotal role in navigating the business through major industry challenges, including the pandemic, while championing innovation and customer-led transformation. Prior to this, he held senior commercial, planning and aviation roles, helping shape one of the UK’s largest travel businesses.
Andrew began his career in various Finance roles at Ford before moving into the travel sector, after studying Geography at the University of Southampton. He has also served on the board of ABTA, contributing to the wider development of the UK travel industry.
At British Airways Holidays, Andrew is focused on growing the business and unlocking the power of the broader Avios loyalty ecosystem to deliver outstanding experiences for customers.
Anuraag Bhatnagar
Chief Executive Officer
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
Anuraag Bhatnagar
Chief Executive Officer
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
Website
Anuraag Bhatnagar, the Chief Executive Officer at The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is a dynamic leader with an impeccable track record of over 35 years. He has spearheaded hotels across world renowned Indian and International brands positioning them as leaders in the market through strategic and inspirational leadership, a passion for operational excellence and an unwavering focus on delivering highly personalized and memorable guest experiences.
A seasoned hospitality professional, Anuraag is known to leverage his strategic business acumen and interpersonal skills to drive market leading returns and create stakeholder value. A result - oriented leader, he is adept at building and nurturing high performance teams guiding and motivating them towards setting and achieving visionary goals by effectively aligning brand values with key business initiatives and thoughtfully curated luxury brand experiences.
Known as the ‘Man with the Midas Touch’ Anuraag is currently responsible for strengthening and elevating The Leela’s positioning as an epitome of true Indian luxury while driving the brand’s future growth. With a global mindset and a keen understanding of the luxury consumer he is well poised to lead the brand in the next new phase of its growth trajectory while catering to the evolving needs and aspirations of the discerning global luxury traveler.
Anuraag spent his early years learning the fine art of being a luxury hotelier with the Oberoi Group of Hotels. He then joined Starwood Hotels and Resorts and subsequently transitioned to Marriott International post the merger of the two companies, where he was the Multi-Property Vice President, Mumbai and Goa, overseeing 12 hotels. Working across brands like St. Regis, W Hotels and The Ritz-Carlton, he honed his skills in delivering curated and crafted luxury hospitality experiences. For him, luxury is all about authenticity, anticipation, innovation and personalization, and teamwork is what makes the magic happen.
Anuraag is one of the most felicitated and awarded hoteliers in India, recognized as the “CEO of the Year” by PATWA International Travel Awards 2023 at ITB Berlin, ‘Hotelier of the Year’ by Vir Sanghvi at the EazyDiner Awards 2017, by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor at the Food Food India Awards 2018, as well as the prestigious new category award, ‘COO/VP of the Year – International’ by Hotelier India Awards 2017.
A prolific orator, Anuraag regularly contributes his personal and professional time to speak at Academic Institutions, Industry forums like HICSA, and is on the board of BW Hotelier and Hotelier India magazine.
Anuraag is an alumnus of Delhi University and IHM Pusa. He has also done short Management and Leadership courses from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore and the University of North Carolina.
Anuraag is an avid whisky and food enthusiast. His fitness regime is a newfound joy. He enjoys his leisure time watching movies, listening to music and relaxing with some reading. He is an active trekker and will seek out new destinations to travel and climb. A family man, he enjoys spending time with his wife, son and their 2 dogs.
Ashish Sanghrajka
President
Big Five Tours & Expeditions
Ashish Sanghrajka
President
Big Five Tours & Expeditions
Website
With decades of experience in the travel industry, Ashish Sanghrajka serves as President of Big Five Tours & Expeditions, a luxury North American tour operator specializing in bespoke/tailor-made private journeys in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the South Pacific. Beyond superior service and amazing private fully customized adventures, Big Five honors the best practices of sustainable and socially responsible luxury travel, promoting cultural preservation, community integrity, and conservation of natural resources.
Sanghrajka began to learn about the family travel company at an early age. As a child, he saw firsthand the value of customer relationships when clients often dined with his family in their Nairobi home. In the mid-1980s, his family relocated to New York, and later Florida. He became president of Big Five Tours & Expeditions at the end of 2008 -taking the helm from his father, Mahen Sanghrajka, who continues as CEO.
Sanghrajka’s passion and vision drive Big Five’s innovative approaches to increased guest satisfaction. That includes Big Five’s premier 24-Hour White Glove Service® guest assistance, which he launched in 2009. It encompasses a wide range of services that can be tailored to each guest and includes complimentary trip interruption insurance.
Ashish is a member of the Virtuoso Sustainability Council, a founding member of Luxe Pages, and most recently, co-founded ME Ecuador, a newly launched collaborative that prioritizes pathways to visibility for indigenous communities, artisans and artists among travelers, travel advisors and travel providers.
Born in Kenya and based in Stuart, Florida, Sanghrajka’s previous experience includes working as an economic analyst and trainer in the Capital Markets Division of a Fortune 500 firm. Sanghrajka attended the University of Arizona in Tucson, graduating with a degree in political science, with a special focus on international economics.
Cleofe Albiso
Managing Director
Megaworld Hotels & Resorts
Cleofe Albiso
Managing Director
Megaworld Hotels & Resorts
Website
Cleofe Albiso leads the Philippines’ largest hotel operator, the Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR) with 7 brands, 13 properties, and 8,500 room keys including new locations in the pipeline. As Managing Director, she mobilizes an employee base of almost 3,000-strong individuals ready to serve guests with their signature brand of Filipino service they call the Sampaguita.
With her numerous engagements, she’s also an esteemed member of the board of the Iloilo MICE Alliance and a staunch proponent of the VISIT ILOILO campaign. She is also the chairman of the Boracay M.I.C.E Alliance.
To date, she’s recognized as the 25th Mabuhay Gold Awardee of 2022 given by the Association of Human Resource Managers of the Hospitality Industry in the Philippines. She is celebrated as the first ever recipient of the “Rising Star in Travel” awardee under the Inspiring Women in Travel Awards Woman Champion in Travel (Asia) 2023 Category for her influence in the community. In the Philippines, she is also recognized as one of the Women of Power awardees of 2024 by Philippine Daily Inquirer.
Daniel Martínez Rodríguez
Executive Vice President
IFEMA Madrid
David Burgess
President & CEO
Miles Partnership, LLLP
David Burgess
President & CEO
Miles Partnership, LLLP
Website
David Burgess is President & CEO of Miles Partnership, a strategic marketing consultancy focused exclusively on travel and tourism. David establishes strategic direction for Miles’ growth and maintains key partner and stakeholder relationships with destinations, hospitality businesses and other travel industry clients such as Brand USA and Destinations International. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for both Destinations International and U.S. Travel Association.
Debbie Flynn
Managing Partner, Global Travel Practice Leader
FINN Partners, Inc.
Debbie Flynn
Managing Partner, Global Travel Practice Leader
FINN Partners, Inc.
Website
With over 38 years in the travel industry my experience has been unbelievably varied. From checking people in at Terminal 1, to being a tri-star stewardess, to experience in sales, marketing and PR, my 10 years at BA gave me the foundations for the remainder of my career in travel and tourism PR and Marketing. I learned my trade not just from professional PR qualifications but through experiencing real life in so many departments. And since then, having grown the Brighter business from 2 people to 22 and survived many financial downturns and clients in crisis, there probably isn’t any area of travel PR and marketing I haven’t had a hand in!
Deborah Haas
Vice President Travel
AAA - The Auto Club Group
Deborah Haas
Vice President Travel
AAA - The Auto Club Group
Website
When leading AAA - The Auto Club Group’s Travel Agency, Debbie draws upon her experience with consumer brands in the U.S. and Europe including Coca-Cola, Quaker Oats, and Gatorade. She has been a member of the Auto Club Group’s leadership team for 21 years. Debbie is passionate about responsible travel and serves on the Board of Tourism Cares. She has served on the Boards of Visit Florida and the Oakwood Healthcare System.
AAA – The Auto Club Group’s Travel Agency serves 13.5 million AAA members in 14 states in the Midwest and Southeast through in-person meetings, virtual appointments, on the phone and online.
Dylan Wilkinson
General Manager International & Partnerships
nib Travel
Dylan Wilkinson
General Manager International & Partnerships
nib Travel
Website
Dylan Wilkinson brings over 25 years of insurance industry expertise, with a strong record of delivering tailored solutions and building enduring client relationships. Known for strategic thinking, operational innovation, and high performance, he has successfully navigated complex organizational environments and driven transformative change.
His career spans professional and financial services, where he has established himself as a trusted partner across the insurance and travel supply chain. Dylan has led diverse teams—including contact centres, financial planners, digital sales and marketing, client relationship managers, and brokers—while spearheading initiatives in risk solutions, distribution, and business transformation.
As General Manager, International and Partnerships at nib Travel, Dylan leads a global commercial team across Australia, Europe, and the Americas. He oversees B2B distribution channels, managing partnerships with retail travel networks, OTAs, affiliates, airlines, and brokers. Beyond his professional achievements, Dylan is an avid traveller and aviation enthusiast. A student pilot, he combines his passion for flying with extensive international travel for both business and leisure.
Elisabetta Fabri
President & CEO
Starhotels
Elisabetta Fabri
President & CEO
Starhotels
Website
Florentine, mother of twins, Elisabetta Fabri lived between Florence, Rome, Washington and New York, where in the Nineties she personally managed The Michelangelo, the first hotel opened abroad by Starhotels.
After her graduation from the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from John Cabot University in Rome. A cosmopolitan background, combined with a long apprenticeship enabled her to develop a thorough understanding of hospitality management. In 1992, she made her official debut as entrepreneur creating Starhotels International. In 2000 she came back to Florence permanently, where she was appointed CEO and Vice President of Starhotels SpA, of which she became President eleven years later, whilst remaining the CEO.
Under her guidance, Starhotels has seen an upgrade in its offer thanks to important investments in renovations and new hotel properties in Italy and Europe.
The Castille opened in Paris in 2005, while the company’s first two hotels in London opened their doors in 2014.
In 2016, Starhotels affirmed its place in the world of luxury hospitality with the acquisition of four new properties in Italy – Hotel d’Inghilterra in Rome, Helvetia & Bristol in Florence, Grand Hotel Continental in Siena and Hotel Villa Michelangelo in Vicenza – and The Franklin in London.
Erkan Yagci
CEO
Zaf Group
Erkan Yagci
CEO
Zaf Group
Website
Erkan Yagci is Chief Executive of Tourism Group of Zaf Group of Companies.
Erkan was born in 1979 and he graduated from Tourism & Hotel Management in Turkey.
After several successful experiences in various fields of tourism management during his career, Erkan’s passion, to have a global view and understanding of the sector, lead him to the USA where he completed his MBA degree. Additionally, he holds PhD degree in Tourism & Hotel Management.
During this time, he had the chance to bring his management skills into perfection while being responsible for various projects including business strategies, performance and benchmark analyses.
During the course of his career Erkan became a member of various International and National Tourism Organizations.
Erkan brings excellent management and analytical skills as well as great insight into the operational and quality standards aspects of the business.
Erkan has also been merited several awards from national as well as international tourism entities.
Ewald K. Biemans
Owner, CEO
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba
Ewald K. Biemans
Owner, CEO
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba
Website
Ewald Biemans developed the Bucuti Beach Resort, which opened in October of 1987. The resort has enjoyed year-round average occupancies of 90%+. In March of 2004, Biemans added a luxury wing to the resort called the Tara Beach Suites, which has averaged 96% occupancy since opening. Born in Austria, Ewald Biemans started his hospitality career with Hilton and Intercontinental in South America prior to earning his BS in International Business at Florida State University. After moving to Aruba in the early 70’s, Ewald managed the famous Talk of the Town Restaurant and eventually the Talk of the Town Resort. Subsequently he managed and co-owned the Manchebo Beach Resort before developing and owning Bucuti & Tara. Mr. Biemans is committed to being involved in the community and taking a leadership role whenever possible, encouraging other resorts on-island to take the initiative to protect Aruba’s natural resources. Biemans is currently on the board of the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association (AHATA), previously served as Chairman of the Board of AHATA and served on the board of the Aruba Tourism Authority. His contributions have included serving as president of Aruba’s SKAL club chapter, creator and longtime Chairman of the Environmental Committee for AHATA, and Director of the Board of the island’s Arikok National Park. Ewald lives on Aruba, where he appreciates the natural beauty and enjoys caring for his rescue dogs. He actively manages his properties and is the leader of Bucuti’s Green Team.
Gabriele Burgio
President and CEO
Alpitour World
Gabriele Burgio
President and CEO
Alpitour World
Website
Gabriele Burgio (Florence, Italy 1954) attends law school in Florence, with a Major in International Private Law and an MBA at Insead Fontainebleau in 1982, with the Giovanni Agnelli scholarship. He starts his professional career in Bankers Trust, investment bank, working for several years between New York and Italy. Later on he becomes AD of Manufacturers Hanover Finanziaria SpA, a venture specialized in M&A and acquisition finance. In 1993 Gabriele moves to Spain as CEO of COFIR, a holding company, listed in the Madrid Stock Exchange and operating in many different sectors in Spain and Portugal, with a private equity approach. In 1997 he becomes CEO of NH hotels, at the time a small, local hotel company specialized in 3 and 4 stars urban hotels in Spain, and he builds it in the fastest growing Hotel Company in Europe, managing from the original 66 up to 401 hotels, expanding in 26 countries and increasing the turnover more than 10 times. From 2012 he is President and CEO of Alpitour S.p.A. Under his guidance, the Group undergoes a renovation and rearrangement process, whose major milestones so far includes the acquisition of Press Tours (2014), Swan Tour (2016), sardegna.com (2016), the establishment of Alpitour France (2017), the acquisition of Eden Viaggi (2018). Alpitour is now a 2Bn euro company, leader in Italy with a presence in Spain, France, Albania, Mexico and Dominican Republic. 2002: The Madrid chamber of commerce awarded him with the Tiepolo Prize 2003: The magazine “Expansiòn” awarded him with the Price “Best manager of the year in Spain” 2007: His Royal Highness Felipe II awarded him with the Prize “Excellence in tourism” in Spain. 2010: The President of the Republic of Italy conferred the honorary title of “Grande Ufficiale della Stella” on Gabriele Gabriele is a frequent guest speaker at University forums and tourist related gatherings.
Giulia Bandini
CEO & Founder
Cogito Strategies
Giulia Bandini
CEO & Founder
Cogito Strategies
Website
Giulia is a seasoned professional in the luxury travel sector with a strong background in hospitality, business, and international commerce. She started loving hospitality at the age of 5. Read her first Business article at 7.
Did her first sales pitch at 8. With a Bachelor's in Business & Economics from the University of Bologna and a Master’s in Luxury & Lifestyle Management from Polimoda, she has honed her expertise in high-end hospitality. Her experience includes roles at Polo Ralph Lauren and the Ferragamo family’s Lungarno Collection, where she specialized in sales and event management. Passionate about teamwork and international business, she has built an extensive network in luxury travel. In 2020, she founded her own company, leveraging her deep industry knowledge. A dynamic leader, Giulia thrives in commercial environments, always driven by her love for hospitality and innovation.
Hamish Keith
CEO
EXO Travel
Hamish Keith
CEO
EXO Travel
Website
Background- Hamish has lived and worked in Asia since 1990 establishing his first travel business in Bangkok in 1995. He then spent several years starting and growing travel companies as well as leading, operations and creating ground-breaking tours covering every corner of Thailand, Indonesia and Indochina. In 2002, he joined EXO to launch Exotissimo Thailand and, in 2007, became Group Managing Director and partner in EXO Travel.
Responsibilities- Hamish is responsible for setting and executing the overall business strategy and manages EXO sales offices and global business relationships.
EXO Passion- He is also the passionate cyclist and competes in races and events worldwide.
Education- Holds a BA (hons) from Brighton University
EXO Experience- Years with EXO: 20
Holger Bartel
CEO
Travelzoo
Holger Bartel
CEO
Travelzoo
Website
Holger Bartel, Ph.D., has been Travelzoo’s Global Chief Executive Officer since January 2016. From July 2010 to May 2017, he was the Chairman of the Board of Directors. From September 2015 to December 2015, he was Travelzoo’s Executive Chairman. From October 2011 to October 2013, he was Head of Strategy. From October 2008 to June 2010, he was Travelzoo’s Chief Executive Officer. From September 1999 to November 2007, he was Executive Vice President. From 1995 to 1998, he was Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm. From 1992 to 1994, he was a research fellow at Harvard Business School. Holger Bartel holds a Ph.D. in Economics and an MBA in finance and accounting from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. He is the brother of Ralph Bartel. Areas of Holger Bartel’s relevant experience include a dep knowledge of Travelzoo’s operations, Internet, strategy, management of growth companies, travel and international management.
Ian Swain
President & CEO
Swain Destinations
Ian Swain
President & CEO
Swain Destinations
Website
Planning international travel with Swain Destinations starts with a blank piece of paper. The trip is tailored from the very start by myself and my dedicated team to offer American travelers the opportunity to create a completely customized trip to far-flung destinations, including Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Asia, India, Africa, Jordan and Israel. The power of Swain Destinations' family-run business lies in the dedication of its longtime employees, many of whom hail from the exciting locales they're selling. I believe there is no better feeling than getting someone excited about world travel. It's such a natural high to be able to share your passion for a favorite destination or your homeland with someone. In many cases, we're fulfilling someone's dream vacation. I was born in Brisbane and showed a knack for entrepreneurship by launching a brokerage company when I was just 19. I met and married Linda, an American with a penchant for international travel. Two years into our marriage, with my knowledge of the South Pacific and her understanding of the American traveler, we started Swain Australia Tours (now Swain Destinations) in 1987. Over the course of the next 10 years, Swain Destinations became the largest seller of South Pacific travel on the East Coast. The company has since expanded to include destinations in Asia and Africa, as well as India and the Middle East. Each time I look to grow the business, I find dedicated and enthusiastic travel specialists from those corners of the globe to join my team and support our clients through the detailed and customized planning process.
Jaume Puig Ribera
CEO
GVC Gaesco Gestion
Jaume Puig Ribera
CEO
GVC Gaesco Gestion
Website
Degree in Economics from the University of Barcelona. Degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Barcelona. European Financial Analyst (Certified European Financial Analyst). ICMB Fixed Income Portfolio Management. EFPA. He began his professional career in 1989 at Fibanc. Later, he worked at Banco Vitalicio, was the Financial Director of a business group and, in 1995, he joined Gaesco. He was successively analyst, head of analysis, manager, Investment Director and General Director of Gaesco Gestión, SGIIC, the latter and actual position held since 2000. He is currently the General Director of GVC Gaesco Gestión, SGIIC, CIO and directly manages various Investment Funds and SICAVs. Accumulated 14 awards for investment management, 10 of which personally managed funds, 3 to the managing entity as investment director of the same and one more, individually, as the best equity fund manager of the last decade. He has managed GVC Gaesco 300 Places Worldwide since its launch in 2014.
John Sage
Founder & CEO
Accessible Travel Solutions
John Sage
Founder & CEO
Accessible Travel Solutions
Website
John Sage is the founder and CEO of the two leading accessible travel companies, Sage Traveling (B2C) and Accessible Travel Solutions (B2B). His companies provide accessible travel services targeting a market of 1 billion people with disabilities worldwide.
Sage has traveled extensively with his wheelchair, conducting firsthand accessibility research in more than two hundred European and Caribbean cities. Based on his research, his international team of accessible trip planning experts provides accessible vacations and experiences in more than fifty countries.
John Sage serves on Royal Caribbean’s Accessible Travel Agent Advisory Board and was named Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 for executives and entrepreneurs in 2018. His “Top 10 Accessible Travel Tips for Europe” article has been published in Rick Steves' guidebooks. He has been a featured speaker at the Destinations for All Summit, the Travelability Summit, and the TUR4all International Congress on Accessible Cruise Destinations.
Sage earned his degree in Petroleum Engineering from LSU in 2001 and worked for a world-renowned energy company before making a dedicated switch into the travel industry in 2009.
Karen Chen
President
NEY International
Karen Chen
President
NEY International
Website
Karen Chen is the President of NEY Investment Group Co., Ltd. (referred to as NEY) and the
Chairman of Merrystar Culture and Tourism Investment Co., Ltd. (referred to as Merrystar).
NEY's subsidiary, Merrystar, is an esteemed cultural tourism brand based in Shanghai. With a
strong focus on promoting "Haipai" (Shanghai-style) culture and Jiangnan culture, Merrystar
creatively integrates these cultural elements into its core business of water tourism. Striving to
become a world-class inland tourism ship operator, Merrystar boasts ownership of several
five-star cruise ships in Shanghai, accompanied by prestigious certifications such as DOC and
SMC. The company is actively involved in establishing a city water theater and a river
reception hall, serving as venues for hosting influential industry summits, forums, and events
of global significance. Notable collaborations include the WAIC World Internet Conference,
WWF’s Give an Hour for Earth forum, and ForbesWomen in China Summit , among others.
Karen Chen also serves as a director of WWF (China) and sits on the boards of various local
charity organizations. Her family foundation is dedicated to education, senior support,
environmental protection, and sustainable development.
Furthermore, Karen Chen is deeply engaged in community development and philanthropy. As
the founding president, she spearheads the Huacao Jinfeng International Community
Development Association (JICDA) in Minhang District, Shanghai. This association plays a
pivotal role in facilitating communication between Chinese and foreign residents, fostering the
integration and development of international communities.
Leyla Servet Oner Guncavdi
CEO
Tura Turizm
Leyla Servet Oner Guncavdi
CEO
Tura Turizm
Website
Leyla Öner GUNCAVDI was born in Bruxelles in 1973.
She completed her undergraduate degree at the Bosphorus University in Istanbul in 1994 with a double major degree on International Relations & Public Administration as well as Psychology.
In 1996, Leyla started her diplomatic career in the Ministry of Foreign Relations of The Republic of Turkey. She was assigned to the Turkish Embassy in Mexico from 1998 until 2001 as the Turkish Consul.
She has completed her graduate degree at the U.D.L.A. University in Mexico on “International Corporations and International Relations” and gained a Master’s Degree with honors.
In 2001, she started working at Tura Turizm. She has been working actively and specifically in cruise department at Tura Turizm. Since 2021 she has act as Board Member and Chief Executive Officer.
She has been invited to several conferences and summits as speaker such as;
• FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show - Trinidad & Tobago – 2008
• SEATRADE-MED, MARSEILLE'12 Changing Dynamics of Itinerary Planning in the Med
• SEATRADE-MED, BARCELONA'14 Innovations'Shorex-CLIA Port & Destination Summit
• SEATRADE-EUROPE, HAMBURG'15 Challenge Accepted-CLIA Port & Destination Summit
• SEATRADE-MED, TENERIFE'16 Tura 50 Year & Security-CLIA Port & Destination Summit
• SEATRADE- MED, Malaga’22 The Great Comeback
• SEATRADE-MIAMI’24 Building and Extending Seasons: Changing the Face of Itinerary Planning
She has a good command of English, French and Spanish. Leyla Öner GUNCAVDI is married and has a son. She lives in ISTANBUL.
Mário Ferreira
President & CEO
Mystic Invest
Mário Ferreira
President & CEO
Mystic Invest
Website
Profile to be added…
Mark Weingard
Founder
Iniala
Mark Weingard
Founder
Iniala
Website
Mark Weingard is the founder of Iniala Group and Inspirasia Foundation, visionary ventures born from both personal passion and tragedy. A self-made entrepreneur from Manchester, he built his early career in stock trading before co-founding Hotel IQ in Thailand, offering service quality evaluations for major hotel brands. His experience inspired him to launch Iniala, a luxury hospitality brand that redefines excellence in design, service, and gastronomy.
Following personal losses in the 9/11 attacks and the 2002 Bali bombing, Mark established Inspirasia Foundation, which has since donated over €15 million to health, education, and disability programs in Asia and Malta. In 2013, he opened Iniala Beach House in Thailand, followed by Iniala Harbour House in Malta in 2020, the country’s only Forbes 5-star hotel and home to its first two Michelin-starred restaurant, ION Harbour.
Mark continues expanding Iniala with new hotels and culinary concepts while advancing social impact through initiatives like the Academy of Givers. Based in Malta, he remains deeply engaged with both philanthropy and pushing the boundaries of luxury hospitality worldwide.
Martin Zanone
Managing Director
Eurotur
Martin Zanone
Managing Director
Eurotur
Website
Martin Zanone serves since 2004 as Managing Director of Eurotur, after graduating from his MBA degree at Babson College. Industrial Engineer by choice, started working at Eurotur in 1998, after working for a retail bank and while continuing with several own small size ventures. Being raised in a family passionate for the travel industry, has traveled extensively from an early age, and continues to enjoy it! Martin and his passionate management team have overcome tough industry times successfully, and continue to grow in an industry that changes daily creating a myriad of opportunities and challenges. Martin has served since 2013 in the Argentine Chamber of Tourism as representative of the Active Members.
Maximiliano Pazo
Director of Hospitality Business
URBANOVA INMOBILIARIA
Melissa Krueger
CEO
Classic Vacations
Melissa Krueger
CEO
Classic Vacations
Website
Melissa Krueger is the CEO of Classic Vacations, the leading luxury wholesale travel company in the U.S., with over 25 years of experience in the travel industry. Since becoming CEO, she has led the company through its three most successful years in history, building on Classic’s rich legacy of excellence while driving innovation and transformative growth. A dynamic and customer-focused leader, Melissa excels in crafting forward-thinking initiatives, navigating complex change, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Under her guidance, Classic Vacations has undergone significant modernization, including launching an advanced online booking engine, streamlining operations, and revitalizing its luxury service levels. Melissa has built a world-class leadership team, fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance that achieves extraordinary results. Her ability to align teams with critical priorities has been instrumental in positioning Classic Vacations as a leader in the competitive luxury travel market.
Melissa is a valued board member of the U.S. Tour Operators Association, California State University Monterey Bay Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism School, and the California Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation. Based in Carmel, California, she enjoys travel, hiking, golf, and time with her family.
Michael Johnson
President
Ensemble Travel
Michael Johnson
President
Ensemble Travel
Website
Michael Johnson was appointed as President, Ensemble in June 2022 after leading the successful acquisition of Ensemble on behalf of Range Group.
Since then, Michael has focused on transforming Ensemble to meet the needs of modern travel agencies. With an approach that views member agencies and advisors as true business partners, Michael is laser focused on helping members improve yield and profitability as well as elevating the craft of the travel advisor.
Michael’s commitment to the industry is further demonstrated by his participation as a member of ACTA’s Board of Directors, role on numerous advisory boards and frequent contributions to consumer and trade publications.
Michael was previously President of Travel Edge, a luxury host agency. His entry into the travel industry followed a long career in luxury retail culminating in his role as SVP Store Operations and Customer Experience at Hudson’s Bay Company, Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor, where he learned the importance of marrying exceptional customer experiences with operational discipline.
Mirko Lalli
CEO of Data Appeal Company
Mabrian, a Data Appeal Company
Mirko Lalli
CEO of Data Appeal Company
Mabrian, a Data Appeal Company
Website
Mirko Lalli served as Director of Corporate Communications of Clouditalia SpA, CEO of AR-tel SpA and Marketing and Communications Director of Fondazione Sistema Toscana (Tuscany Region). He was a member of the Tourism Innovation Committee of the Ministry of Tourism.
He is the founder and CEO of The Data Appeal Company SpA, acquired in 2022 by Almawave Spa, part of the Almaviva Group. In 2023 The Data Appeal Company acquired Mabrian Technologies S.L. The company's ultimate goal is to leverage Travel Intelligence and Advisory to accelerate progress towards a more sustainable, fair, and inclusive sector.
Mustafa Al Hashimi
Chief Hospitality & Leisure Officer
Wasl Hospitality
Mustafa Al Hashimi
Chief Hospitality & Leisure Officer
Wasl Hospitality
Website
Mustafa Al Hashimi is a distinguished leader in Dubai's hospitality and leisure sector, currently
serving as the Chief Hospitality & Leisure Officer at Wasl Asset Management Group. He oversees
a portfolio of 32 hotels and serviced apartments, totaling over 7,691 rooms, representing global
brands like Mandarin Oriental, Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, Dusit International, One&Only Hotels, and
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa. Under his guidance, the group is developing four new hotels, including
MGM, Bellagio, Aria, and Mandarin Oriental at Wasl Tower-adding more than 2,000 rooms to
Dubai's world-renowned offerings.
In addition, Mustafa directs the Dubai Golf and Viya Golf portfolios, encompassing iconic leisure
facilities such as Emirates Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Topgolf Dubai, and Dubai Creek
Resort. Recent expansions include Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Saadiyat
Beach Golf Club, and the upcoming Topgolf Abu Dhabi. He also holds the position of General
Manager at Jumeirah Golf Estates, a premier residential development featuring over 60 million
square feet for housing and recreation.
Transitioning from a successful career in Oil & Gas with Schlumberger, Mustafa ventured into
hospitality as General Manager of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, managing one of Dubai's
largest leisure resorts. Presently, he supervises over 150 restaurants across Wasl's Hospitality &
Leisure portfolio.
An alumnus of Concordia University, Montreal, with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical
Engineering (2003), Mustafa enhanced his expertise through INSEAD's General Management
Program (2013). Beyond his corporate responsibilities, he serves on the boards of the Emirates
Golf Federation, Young President's Organization Dubai Chapter, Emirates Real Estate Investment
Trust (REIT), Hospitality Asset Management Association, and Dubai CommerCity.
Philip Martin Barnes
CEO
Rotana
Philip Martin Barnes
CEO
Rotana
Website
Philip Barnes is the Chief Executive Officer of Rotana, one of the region’s most established hospitality companies. With over 40 years of experience across five continents, Philip assumed leadership at a pivotal time as Rotana accelerates its expansion and builds on a legacy that began in Abu Dhabi.
Since joining in 2024, he has been instrumental in shaping Rotana’s growth, strengthening operational agility, expanding the group’s strategic footprint, and guiding its entry into new markets. Under his leadership, Rotana is enhancing its portfolio of 100 properties across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Türkiye.
A seasoned hospitality executive, Philip Barnes is known for his expertise in hotel and resort openings, asset repositioning, and large-scale operational leadership. He spent 25 years at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in key roles including Regional Vice President for the UAE and Vice President for the Middle East, where he led growth strategies and developments across the Gulf, South Africa, and North Africa. His career also includes senior positions with Four Seasons and Shangri-La, reinforcing his strong track record across both luxury and lifestyle segments.
Shannon Knapp
President & CEO
The Leading Hotels of the World
Shannon Knapp
President & CEO
The Leading Hotels of the World
Website
Shannon Knapp became the president and chief executive officer of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. in 2019. She is a results-driven, visionary leader with more than 20 years of experience and has been instrumental in spearheading the growth and success of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd.
For more than a decade, Ms. Knapp has been a driver of innovation and transformative change within The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. She guides nearly 200 global employees and empowers the commercial success of the collection’s more than 400 independent, luxury hotels. Her dedication to excellence and a relentless commitment to independent hotels have firmly established her as a trailblazer within the travel industry.
Assuming the position of president and chief executive officer just six months prior to the global pandemic, Ms. Knapp exemplified resilience, humanity and confidence in navigating one of the most devastating disruptions to the travel sector. Under her leadership, Leading Hotels’ members emerged from the crisis stronger than ever, and the Company achieved record-setting revenue in consecutive years, 2022 and 2023.
During this pivotal period, she collaborated with her management team to overhaul the Company’s business model, aligning it with the dynamic needs of independent hotels. The strategic shift extends beyond revenue generation and guest acquisition, and encompasses comprehensive hotel operations, IT support, cost saving initiatives, and customer and market insights. Ms. Knapp’s vision enables hoteliers to thrive in the rapidly evolving industry landscape, ensuring their sustained success.
Prior to serving as president and chief executive officer at The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., Ms. Knapp held the position of senior vice president and chief marketing officer for six years. In the role she created a breakthrough brand and data-driven marketing strategy, transformed the customer experience, and accelerated brand loyalty for the more than 90-year-old company. She oversaw the various marketing divisions and was responsible for the redesign and 2018 relaunch of Leading Hotels’ loyalty ecosystem, Leaders Club. Additionally, she built the marketing analytics and customer insights organization to drive a paradigm shift in the use of data to inform marketing strategy, resulting in an increase of marketing efficiency and millions of dollars in incremental revenue.
Prior to joining The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., Ms. Knapp spent 15 years at American Express, most recently serving as vice president of marketing for American Express Travel. In this role, she was responsible for leading U.S. customer acquisition and loyalty marketing, branding and public relations strategies, with global oversight of communications and compliance programs for the multi-billion-dollar global travel organization. She transformed the marketing approach to accelerate lead generation for all distribution channels, delivering an increase in the acquisition of new customers. She also led the strategic marketing program which supported over 40 luxury travel partners.
Previously, she was the director of premium cardmember marketing, where she led the development of program marketing and customer experience strategies for Centurion and Platinum Card member travel programs, including Fine Hotels & Resorts, as well as cruise, tour and villa programming. During this engagement she managed strategic partnerships with over 700 luxury travel partners to optimize economics and maximize value for Card members and travel partners.
Ms. Knapp received her Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Colgate University where she studied abroad for a semester in Geneva, Switzerland.
Suphajee Suthumpun
CEO
Dusit Thani Public Company Limited
Suphajee Suthumpun
CEO
Dusit Thani Public Company Limited
Website
Mrs Suthumpun is focused on strengthening Dusit International’s foundations for growth, building on the company’s founding vision to promote Thai hospitality to the world. A distinguished professional, Mrs Suthumpun has joined Dusit after a successful tenure as Chief Executive Officer at Thaicom, Plc. Prior to this post, she worked at IBM for over 20 years, with her last role being General Manager of IBM ASEAN’s Global Technology Services Division. With the number of Dusit Hotels and Resorts in operation expected to reach 70 within the next four years, Mrs Suthumpun has set a long-term vision focusing on human capital development, technological advancement and strategic management to sustain this growth. Mrs Suthumpun holds an MBA in International Finance and Accounting from Northrop University in California, USA, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Thammasat University, Thailand.
Tim Hentschel
CEO
HotelPlanner
Tim Hentschel
CEO
HotelPlanner
Website
Tim Hentschel is the Co-Founder and CEO of HotelPlanner, a leading travel technology company that combines proprietary artificial intelligence capabilities and a 24/7 global gig-based reservations and customer service network. Tim oversees HotelPlanner's family of brands which include its flagship site HotelPlanner.com and its business-focused site meetings.com. Tim is a third-generation hotelier and a graduate of the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration with a degree in hotel management and concentration in micro-computing. In 2018, his alma mater awarded him their prestigious Innovator of the Year Award. Tim created the annual American Group Travel Awards which donates its proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Tim currently resides in Singapore overseeing Asia-Pac operations and has plans to return to the company's London office in 2022.
Troy Haas
CEO & Chairman
Brownell
Troy Haas
CEO & Chairman
Brownell
Website
Troy Haas, Chairman and CEO of Brownell, has served Brownell for over 30 years and became the sole owner of the privately held company in 2023. He has a BA in Accounting from the University of Alabama, and an MBA from Harvard University. Troy is recognized as a champion of the travel industry and has served as a thought leader through innovative industry programs such as Virtuoso’s Innovation Teams, Ritz-Carlton’s President’s Roundtable, the Four Seasons Advisory Board, and the Lindblad Expeditions Advisory Board. He has served two terms as Chairman of the Virtuoso Member Advisory. Troy is not only passionate about the life experiences clients and their families have when they travel well, but he is also a tireless volunteer in the local Birmingham community, where he serves his church and several civic groups.
Honorary Member
Geoffrey J W Kent
Founder and Co-Chairman
Geoffrey J W Kent
Founder and Co-Chairman
abercrombiekent.co.uk
Geoffrey Kent’s life began much as he lives it today – amid excitement and adventure in an exotic location. He was born while his parents, Colonel John and Valerie Kent, were on safari in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). He grew up on the family farm in the Aberdare Highlands of Kenya and attended the then-new Duke of York School in Nairobi, which produced many of Kenya’s business and science leaders, including Richard Leakey. With the innate skill of an entrepreneur and the relentless curiosity of a born explorer, he built a company that enables travellers to discover the world around them – and to do it in a uniquely stylish manner.
Geoffrey Kent was inducted into the UK’s Travel Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the US travel industry for creating “experiential travel” by bringing the same sense of adventure found on safari to destinations around the world. He recently published a book, Safari: A Memoir of a Worldwide Travel Pioneer. He was recently appointed Honorary Consul of Kenya to Monaco.
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